Six people have been killed and 27 others rescued in Al-Shabaab attack at Bulla public works in Mandera, Governor Ali Roba has confirmed. The attack occurred at 2:45am.
“Out of 33 non locals residing in one plot, six were shot dead and 27 rescued by our security officers manning the sector,” Mr Roba said.
There was an explosion as police attempted to get into the house to retrieve the bodies, ripping off one of the roof tops. There were no injuries from the explosion.
“The gang used a grenade to break the entrance before they shot at those who were sleeping. They escaped soon after the incident,” said a senior officer in the area.
Police said landmines planted in compound were delaying their attempts to retrieve bodies of the dead. Bomb experts were expected to detonate the explosives.
The attack came as a surprise as security agents in the area seemed unaware of the same. There has been a lull of attacks in the area for the past months following intensified police operations.
The area has in the past been a playing field for the militants who cross from the nearby Somalia border and strike before fleeing back. They have been targeting non locals and security agents in their attacks.