Six passengers killed as gunmen attack two buses in Elwak

A resident points at a bullet hole on a bus that was attacked by Al Shabaab militants in Elwak, Mandera County in December, 2015. (Photo: File/Standard)

Mandera: At least six people were Friday morning killed after gunmen believed to be Al Shabaab opened fire on two buses ferrying passengers in Mandera.

The attack occurred at Corner area between Wargadud and Elwak in Mandera County where gunmen sprayed the buses with bullets at about 10am.  

North Eastern regional commander Mohamed Saleh said six people, including a police reservist, were confirmed dead while many others sustained injuries during that attack.

The buses were being escorted by police officers who were onboard at the time of the attack.

"The gunmen attacked as the buses negotiated a corner in the area and later escaped. We have deployed personnel to pursue them," he said.

He added they suspect the gang was also supported by local militia who are fighting for business reasons.

"The incident happened 50 kilometers (from Somalia border) inside Kenya and we believe some locals played a role."

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said a major security operation was underway to get the attackers.

This is the latest incident to happen in the area. Two weeks ago, five police officers were killed in an attack by attackers who used grenades and guns.