Al Shabaab militants shot and killed six traders
Al Shabaab militants shot and killed six traders
On Friday morning, suspected Al-Shabaab militants killed six Kenyans in Dhobley town, which is close to Garissa County on the border between Kenya and Somalia. Traders who had crossed into Somalia to open their stores were the victims. Four of them were killed instantly, and two more passed away in the hospital while receiving treatment from the gunmen, whose faces were disguised and who were driving a probox.
The victims were hawkers who operated between Kenya and Somalia and were involved in malimali businesses in the border.
Officials said they believe the victims were targeted because of their perceived religious affiliations.They were accused of spreading Christianity in the area, officials said.Witnesses said they were all shot at close range.
The suspects left the scene of the 7:15 a.m. attack right away, according to Garissa County Police Commander John Samburumo, who also urged Kenyan traders in the vicinity to exercise caution. The head of police stated that the current situation is international in nature and would be dealt with properly.
Garrisa County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan stated that inquiries are still being conducted to determine the cause of the attacks. However, reports state that the victims were singled out because of their alleged religious affiliation.
Plans are in place to transport the bodies to Garrisa town for additional processing, according to the county commissioner.
The recent attacks have forced the government to suspend plans to reopen the Kenya-Somalia border.The incident comes weeks after five suspected al Shabaab militants were killed in an operation in Fafi, Garissa County.
Police said four others were arrested in the operation adding the group was headed for Fafi from a hideout when they were ambushed on March 2.