Nairobi. Five Kenyan security officers were killed in a clash with suspected al Shabaab militants in Mandera County near the Somalia border, police said.
The militant group has for years been fighting to overthrow Somalia's central government and establish its rule in the Horn of Africa country based on its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.
"A patrol team from SOG Alungu came into contact with al Shabaab militants in the Wantey Dam area," police said in a report following Tuesday's clash at around noon.
Police said they were pursuing the militants after a reinforcement team sent to the area struck an improvised explosive device, which destroyed an armoured vehicle. No casualties were reported in that incident.
Al Shabaab has frequently carried out attacks in the region, targeting both security personnel and civilians. In January, police said the militants killed a local chief and a teacher in the neighbouring Garissa County.
