NAIROBI, Kenya – Police repulsed an attempt by suspected al-Shabaab militants to overrun Liboi police station near the Kenya-Somalia border. An AK47 rifle was also recovered.
Police said the rifle had an empty magazine, adding they also recovered ten bullets and 19 spent cartridges.
The incident happened on Tuesday morning at about 5 am when an unknown number of gunmen tried to gain entry into the station by firing therein.
Police who were in a sentry fired back repulsing the group, which escaped into the nearby thickets.
No injury was reported on the side of the police but it is suspected some of those in the attackers were injured, police said.
It was later established the suspects were among a group of al-Shabaab gunmen roaming the area to attack and rob police stations.
Officials say the gunmen have been looting shops in the area after most roads were cut off by heavy rains affecting food and other commodities supplies.
The attack came barely a week after police repulsed two separate attacks on their bases in Fafi, Garissa County on December 2.
Al Shabaab militants had staged attacks on the Alinjugur Administration Police camp and Borehole Five Administration Police camp and Jembele simultaneously before being repulsed.
No injuries were reported on the side of security officers.
Area Member of Parliament Salah Yakub commended the police for their brave action to stop the planned attacks. He asked authorities to enhance operations in the region to address the terror-related attacks.
“With most roads being impassable in the area due to rains we urge for more air patrols and delivery of goods to all including security agencies,” he said.
Source: The Star
