Kenya Defence Officers. Five security officers were on Tuesday killed by Al-Shabaab militants. [Photo/tuko.co.ke]
Five security officers were on Tuesday killed by suspected Al-Shabaab militants on the Elwak-Kotulo road in Mandera.
Mandera South deputy county commissioner Daniel Bundotich who confirmed the incident said the five security officers were killed while patrolling the area.
Mr. Bundotich said the militants ambushed the vehicle the officers were in and a fierce exchange of fire ensued during the evening attack.
He said that the second contingent of GSU personnel responded to the first attack but they were also ambushed and their lorry burnt.
Three police reservists and two Administration Police officers died following the attack by an unknown number of Al-Shabaab militants.
The terrorists are said to have attacked the first security group of APs, police reservists and regular police officers as they patrolled the notorious Elwak-Kotulo stretch.
“Combined forces were on patrol before being ambushed by suspected Al-Shabaab militants at Dubacity around midday. A team responding to the attack was also attacked and their lorry burnt.”
“A gunfight ensued before the suspected militants retreated. We are sure of more casualties on their side, considering the ground evidence,” he said.
The deputy county commissioner added that another team was being assembled to respond to the two attacks.