GARISSA, Kenya, Feb 11- Four people died and one other was seriously injured after a vehicle they were driving in ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Garissa County.
The incident happened Thursday as the vehicle, which was ferrying six persons in total, made its way to Hulugho from Masalani.
The IED detonated between Bura East and Galmagala areas.
The driver of the vehicle that sustained serious damage is fighting for his life in hospital while another passenger escaped with minor injuries.
The deceased persons are said to have been from the same family.
North Eastern regional commissioner James Kianda said an operation had been launched to get those behind the incident. He said they suspect the bomb was set up by al-Shabaab terrorists operating in the area.
He urged residents to cooperate with the security apparatus to improve security.
Garissa leaders also urged residents to be more vigilant and report any suspicious persons to the authorities.
The incident comes a week after suspected terror attacks in Mandera and Wajir counties which claimed up to 12 people.
The terrorists have been attacking areas in Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties after breaching security zones. This has left dozens of civilians and security officials dead and wounded.
The terrorists have been planting explosives on the routes used by the security agencies. They have also been targeting communication masts in their attacks.
The border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants, who are at times aided by locals.
The area is near the Somalia border, and the militants usually cross at will and stage attacks before escaping back.
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