Al-Shabaab Claims Responsibility for IED Attack that Killed 11 Kenyan Police Officers

Somalia-based Islamic terror group Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for Saturday's improvised explosive device (IED) attack that claimed the lives of 11 Kenyan police officers.

The security officers were killed after the vehicle they were traveling in ran over the landmine planted on the road near Konton in Wajir County.

The Administration Police officers were reportedly pursuing suspected Al-Shabaab militants who kidnapped three National Police Reservists (NPRs) after attacking a village on Wednesday.

The three NPRs were identified as Noor Mohamed Adan, Mohamed Bushar Hussein and Mohat Salat Gedo. 

Nairobi-based Somali TV RTN reported that Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

“Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Wajir attack, says it captured two Kenya police officers,” the station said.

In a statement sent to the media, Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai said more security forces have been deployed to pursue the attackers.

“I have dispatched additional resources including air surveillance capability to continue with the operation,” Mutyambai said.