Al-Shabaab bomb attack in Kenya leaves 12 dead

EL-WAK - The Al-Shabaab militants used a donkey-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in El-Wak town within Mandera County, in a major incident that left 12 people dead within the vicinity of Equity Bank, eyewitnesses said.

Among those dead according to multiple sources were 10 Christians (non-locals) and 2 Muslims, in an incident which most probably had non-locals targeted. Those affected were teachers and healthcare workers, sources revealed.

Reports indicated that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in the town's Central Business District just near the Administrative Police (AP) post. Most of those injured in the incident have been rushed to various hospitals for treatment.

Businesses in the area including banks announced the closure of operations as security officers commenced investigations into the matter and tracked down the perpetrators. The town has since been cordoned off by security teams who are pursuing suspects.

"We regret to inform you, that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town," Equity Bank reported. "We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe."

Initial reports indicated that there was heavy gunfire between police officers stationed in the area and suspected Al Shabaab terrorists. Security teams are yet to confirm the incident but how it was executed places Al-Shabaab militants on the scene.

Preliminary reports indicate that the IED had targeted houses belonging to teachers and healthcare workers in the region. Incidentally, the majority of tutors and healthcare workers as well as casual labourers in the area are non-locals.

This is the first time in as many months the militants are targeting the region following a major security boost. The attack coincides with the arrest of Abu Mahir, a senior Al-Shabaab operative within Lamu County along the coastal strip of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE