3 people killed, many injured in Al-Shabaab attacks on Bondeni villages in Lamu County

Kenya Police Reservists at Pandanguo village count losses after an attack by militants in the village in this July 11 2014 picture. FILE/ STANDARD

LAMU: At least three people were Sunday morning killed after gunmen attacked Bondeni villages near Pandanguo, Lamu County.

The attackers also torched unknown number of houses in the area before escaping. Witnesses said there injuries on the villagers.

Even though police headquarters said one person had died, locals said they saw three bodies. The victims died out of hacking but the attackers had guns.

Police headquarters said security personnel had been mobilised to the area to track down the attackers who escaped after the 5 am incident.

“We believe the attackers were Al-Shabaab militants who are roaming there but efforts are ongoing to trace them,” said an officer in the area who asked not to be named.

The area has been under attack more than twice in the past year alone leaving dozens dead and many others displaced.

The Sunday incident came less than a week after a police lorry ran over an Improvised Explosive Device killing seven police officers.

Two others were injured in the incident that happened as a police lorry raced to a camp in Mangai area.

Security agencies are currently conducting an operation in the larger Boni Forest where most of the gunmen are believed to be hiding before they launch attacks. The area is declared dangerous.