MANDERA, — At least five Kenyan security officers were killed in an attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County, near the border with Somalia, according to Kenyan police.

The officers, who were attached to the Alungu-based Special Operations Group, came under attack in the Wantey Dam area, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire with the militants.

A preliminary police report said five officers were killed during the confrontation. Reinforcements were deployed to the area shortly after the fighting began to support the security team and pursue the attackers.

However, an armoured vehicle carrying members of the reinforcement unit was struck by an improvised explosive device planted along the road. Police did not immediately disclose whether the explosion caused further casualties.

Security forces subsequently launched an operation in the area to track down the militants and secure the surrounding communities.

Al-Shabaab has carried out repeated attacks in Kenya’s northeastern counties, particularly in areas close to the Somali border. The group frequently targets security personnel and government vehicles through ambushes, roadside bombings and other armed attacks.