Al-Shabaab fighters storm police camp in Kenya, kill six

GARISSA, Kenya - Al-Shabaab fighters stormed a police reservists camp in northeastern Kenya, on Sunday, killing at least six officers while injuring five others, in the latest attack targeting security forces in the East African nation.

The militants overran the police reservists camp in Fafi, Garissa in a pre-dawn attack that occurred in the Biyamadhow area. Some of the fighters ransacked the camp and escaped with several weapons while others were killed.

The number of fatalities on the group's side is said to be significant but it was not immediately disclosed. There are fears of more similar attacks in the area after the militants were spotted mobilizing and moving towards Kenya.

In the recent past, have been complaining and reporting seeing the militants roaming, probing, and spying on security camps in the area. In response, police had dispatched a multi-agency security team to man the region, not far from the Kenya-Somalia border.

National police service spokesman Michael Muchiri said they are making more efforts to address the menace that has been persistent despite operations to tame the same.

“More personnel have been deployed to the area to confront the enemy. This is an unfortunate incident,” he said. The bodies of the deceased were moved to a local mortuary while the injured were taken to the hospital.

Sources say the Kenya Defence Forces teams from a nearby Forward Operating Base responded swiftly, killing dozens of the militants who took part in the raid. More personnel have been sent to parts of Mandera where intelligence shows militants plan an attack on security personnel.

The attack comes a few days after the militants crossed over to Kenya in Lamu County, taking at least 30 minutes to lecture villagers before escaping to Somalia. Generally, northeastern Kenya has traditionally witnessed Al-Shabaab attacks but the response from security teams has led to a decline in the attacks.

GAROWE ONLINE