Five Kenyan police officers were wounded after a gun shootout with the Somali-based militants Al-Shabaab.
The incident occurred on Friday morning at Banisa, the northeastern part of the country. The officers were ambushed while on a routine patrol along the Mandera-Somali border.
“The ambush which took place at 6 a.m in Banisa during routine border patrol, has unfortunately left five of our police officers injured and they are currently receiving medical attention,” Senior Assistant General of police Miriam Muli said.
Security agencies have secured the area as the hunt for the militants is ongoing.
“Swift action by the National Police Service has secured the area and we wish to assure residents of our sustained vigilant presence even as the operation to apprehend and bring the perpetrators of crime to justice,” she added.
On Tuesday, May 18, the group raided a convoy of Kenya Defence Forces in Baure, Lamu, in the Kenya-Somali border, killing at least five officers.
The officers’ vehicle had run over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while traveling from the Baure Camp.
“Regrettably, three soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya,” KDF Spokesperson Zipporah Kioko said.
Last week, three members of Al-Shabab were also killed by KDF after they tried to attack a communication mast in Afaat in Wajir county, in Kenya’s Northeastern.
