13 Kenyan officers missing following al-Shabab attack

A police spokesman, George <g data-gr-id="36">Kimoti</g>, told The Associated Press that 13 officers were missing following the attack. A statement signed by Police Chief J K <g data-gr-id="37">Boinnet</g> said two officers were critically injured and three others sustained minor injuries in the attack but made no mention of missing officers.

Another police official said the missing officers were part of team of more than 20 officers traveling in three Land Cruiser pick-up trucks who had gone to recover a firearm lost by one officer when their car was hit by a land mine.

It is believed al-Shabab militants attacked the officers after reinforcements were sent in, with officers running for safety as militants fired at them, according to the police officer.

The officer spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

The statement by <g data-gr-id="35">Boinnet</g> said there was a heavy exchange of gunfire with the Islamic militants. Al-Shabab is a Somali extremist group.

The same area was in the spotlight last week after suspected al-Shabab militants raided mosques and started to preach to congregations of Muslims. The militants reportedly hoisted flags before the security forces arrived.