NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Armed militants from Somalia launched an attack on a Kenyan police camp located near the border, resulting in the death of six police reservists and the seizure of weapons. The incident, reported by Kenyan police on Sunday, is attributed to the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab.

According to police spokesperson Michael Muchiri, four additional reservists sustained serious injuries during the attack on the camp situated in Garissa county. In response to the assault, law enforcement agencies have deployed more officers to enhance security in the affected area.

The militants executed the attack by shooting and stabbing the reservists, afterward ransacking the camp and taking away firearms. Muchiri mentioned that an undisclosed number of militants were also killed during the confrontation.

The region bordering Kenya and Somalia has been frequently targeted by militants, exploiting the porous boundary between the two nations. Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya issued a travel advisory warning Americans against entering the area due to the heightened risk of attacks and potential kidnappings.

In a related incident, a Kenyan police officer stationed at a border post in Mandera county was shot dead by armed individuals believed to be Somali intelligence officers. This attack was described by Kenyan police officials as a revenge operation linked to the previous arrest of Somali nationals who were allegedly planning an attack on an important infrastructure project.

Since 2022, Somalia has intensified its security operations aimed at combating al-Shabab militants, who maintain control over certain rural territories. The African Union stabilization mission, comprising troops from various countries, is providing assistance to Somalia in its ongoing efforts against al-Shabab.