Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were killed and seven others injured on Tuesday, July 15, after their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) on the Kiunga–Sankuri road in Lamu County.

According to a press statement sent to newsrooms by the KDF communication department, the explosion occurred in the Badaah area.

"Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya," the statement read in part.

It is reported that the soldiers were returning from Sankuri, where they had been transporting colleagues, when their vehicle struck the hidden device.

The wounded personnel were evacuated to specialised military medical facilities in the region.

At the same time, an intensified patrol has been launched in pursuit of the perpetrators of the attack.

"Immediately after the incident, multi-agency security teams launched operations and have heightened the manning of routes in and out of the area to deny the enemy freedom of movement," KDF stated.