Kenyan Soldiers Thwart Terror Attack at Chinese Construction Companies in Garissa

Kenyan security forces have thwarted an attack by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists at two Chinese construction companies in Shimbirey, Garissa County.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet says the militants stormed the two firms at around 9 pm on Sunday night but were repulsed by officers from Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and police. 

Garissa County Police Commander Richard Kerina says the eight hooded attackers were armed with AK47 rifles and arrived at the construction firm with the help of a man, who they had kidnapped from a nearby village. No casualties have been reported but police say the militants escaped with gunshot wounds.

“We fled to the bushes, but security officers were very swift. The attack was thwarted,” a construction worker told a local media.

The attack came hours after security officers arrested two suspected terrorists in Hagadera, Garissa County. The two, who were in possession of three pistols and 23 rounds of ammunition, had reportedly returned to Kenya from Somalia.

Northeastern Regional Commander Paul Soy, says the suspects were traveling in a hired vehicle and had instructed the driver to avoid routes likely to be manned by police.

Security officers have intensified security operations across the country especially along the porous Kenya-Somalia border following last Tuesday's terror attack at 14 Riverside Drive in Nairobi, where 21 people were killed.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack citing United States President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli's capital.