Six killed in Elwak bus attack

One of the buses that was attacked by Al-Shabaab near Elwak, Mandera County, on July 1, 2016. Six people were killed in the attack. PHOTO | MANASE OTSIALO |

Six people were killed after two buses were sprayed with bullets by Al-Shabaab terrorists near Elwak in Mandera County on Friday morning.

County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said police is yet to confirm the number of passengers injured in the 10am attack.

The injured are being treated at Wargadud Health Centre.

One bus, called Tawakal, was sprayed with bullets between Elwak and Wargadud, but the driver sped off.

The second bus, e-Coach, stalled after it was hit with bullets. Most of those who died were in the second bus.

A Kenya Police reservist is among those killed while another was injured. The reservists were escorting the buses.

Mr Shisia said police have launched a security operation in the area.

On Thursday, acting Mandera East Deputy County Commissioner Yonah Nyawir said non-locals living in Mandera would not be allowed to travel by bus until the end of Ramadhan due to security threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants.

The county security committee said the move was a “short-term” measure aimed at reducing tension and allow for the reorganisation of security operations.

(Editing by Beatrice Obwocha)