Dadaab Abductions (and Rescue)

Two vehicles carrying a high-level Norwegian Refugee Council delegation were ambushed outside of a Dadaab camp. A driver was killed and four international staff were abducted. Kenyan military and police units were said to be pursuing the kidnappers into Somalia. This marks the first high-profile abduction in the camp since October 2011, when two Spanish staff members of MSF were kidnapped (and are still being held). That incident prompted a Kenyan military incursion into Somalia and widespread use of guards by NGOs working in Dadaab. Initial reports indicate the NRC delegation was not traveling with a security detail as the area was thought to be safe. 7/2/12 Update - The four NRC staff members were safely rescued in a military operation by Kenyan and Somali troops. There are unconfirmed reports a Western special operations force was significantly involved in the rescue.