GARISSA, Kenya, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three police officers were injured on Monday following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack near the Kenya-Somalia border, the police confirmed.
The police said in a security report that the incident occurred at around 6:33 a.m. (0333 GMT) in the Harbole area of northeastern Kenya.
The police officers were traveling in a water bowser truck when an underground IED exploded, severely damaging the vehicle's engine and injuring three officers on board, said the report.
The injured were taken to a nearby facility for first aid and are awaiting airlift to Nairobi for specialized treatment, it added.
Security agencies have stepped up operations in the area as investigations into the attack continue. The border region is considered a hotspot for militant groups crossing over from neighboring Somalia.
Authorities have pledged to protect Kenyan citizens and maintain constant vigilance, with the government committing additional resources to bolster border security. Police noted that the area has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from militants, occasionally aided by locals.
