Domestic
Road Insecurity: Bandits Strike on RN4, RN7 and RN35
Despite security operations conducted by law enforcement, attacks on national road users have seen a worrying surge in recent days. Within just a few nights, three attacks or attempted attacks were reported on RN4, RN7 and RN35, reviving the specter of highway bandits that had notably declined in recent months. Ambush on RN7. The latest attack occurred on the night of July 21 on RN7, north of Camp Robin. A Sprinter minibus from the Kofifi cooperative, operating the Antananarivo-Toliara route, was targeted by armed individuals. Tree trunks and large rocks had been placed across the road. Surprised by the obstacle, the driver could not turn back and was forced to stop his vehicle. The assailants, hidden in the bushes, then emerged to rob all passengers. Money, mobile phones, bags and various personal belongings were taken. The criminals also smashed the vehicle's windows. Several travelers suffered minor injuries from glass shards, but no deaths were recorded. Intervention on RN4. The previous night, on July 20, another attack was narrowly avoided on RN4, at Jakoba bridge, in the Ambalanjanakomby sector. According to information gathered, five individuals planned to target a vehicle immobilized due to a breakdown. Alerted in time, gendarmes quickly intervened. Upon arrival, the suspects fled. During their retreat, they opened fire on a passenger transport vehicle in the area. The bus sustained material damage to windows and bodywork, with no casualties. The rapid intervention of gendarmes prevented an attack that could have had serious consequences. One dead on RN35. Two days earlier, on the night of July 18, a convoy of merchants was also attacked on RN35, at Andohasakalava, in Ambositra district. Eight highway bandits had erected a barricade made of stones and tree trunks. The criminals fired with a firearm and threw projectiles at vehicles, notably damaging one windshield. The scenario ended abruptly with the unexpected arrival of a gendarme patrol assigned to merchant security. An exchange of gunfire ensued. One assailant was killed, while his accomplices managed to escape, some suspected of being wounded. A homemade weapon, an axe, a machete, ammunition and various items were found on the suspect's body. Worrying return. These three events occurring within a week demonstrate a concerning return of road attacks on several strategic routes in the country. They occur nonetheless in a context marked by increased patrols and security measures. Criminals seem to favor nighttime operations, taking advantage of isolated road sections and increased travel during the holiday season. Facing this resurgence, law enforcement is stepping up calls for vigilance and public cooperation. Road users are notably urged to immediately report any suspicious movement, unusual obstacle or vehicle in distress that could serve as a pretext for an ambush. One thing is certain: national roads remain under close surveillance, but highway bandits seem determined to test security measures once again.
Source: Midi Madagasikara