GARISSA, Kenya, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan security forces have killed four al-Shabab terror suspects and injured several others after raiding the militant group's camp in Garissa County, northeast part of the country, the police confirmed Wednesday.
The police said the security forces raided the al-Shabab hideout in an ambush Tuesday evening and recovered improvised explosive devices (IED) making materials, medicine, and other assorted items. The security forces who received a tip-off from members of the public about the presence of IEDs and al-Shabab in the area found the militants hiding in the bushes, sparking a fierce gunfight.
"This stopped a major planned terrorist attack," the police said in a security report, noting that the area has been facing insecurity-related incidents.
At least six other suspects managed to escape but with injuries, the police said, adding that a major manhunt is underway to arrest the insurgents.
The police said the explosive devices were being planted along the main supply routes within Garissa and neighboring counties which have recently experienced an increase in IED attacks targeting civilians and security officers.
The latest raid came in the wake of reports that the terror group has been sending its members to Kenya in the past month in readiness for an attack.
Police said they have intensified their operations in the area to foil the plans for the attacks.
The incident comes barely a week after the terror group blew up a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) technical facility in Lamu leaving at least 10 soldiers dead.
The military confirmed the attack happened but did not mention the casualties. ■