NAIROBI (SD) – Kenya has vowed to take revenge on al-Shabaab after the militants executed a deadly attack in Mandera County along Kenya’s border with Somalia.

The East African nation deployed multi-agency soldiers to hunt down armed al-Shabaab suspects who reportedly stormed a police lorry traveling from Rhamu to Mandera town.

In a statement,  North Eastern Regional Police Commander Rono Bunei said efforts are ongoing to pursue the attackers.

“Our forces are hunting down the perpetrators and we will comb the whole area to get those behind the heinous attack that targeted our soldiers at Jabi area, 40 kilometres from Mandera town,” the commander said.

At least two police officers were killed and twelve others wounded on Saturday after suspected Al-Shabaab fighters ambushed police officers travelling in a lorry from Rhamu to Mandera town.

“They were from Mandera before they encountered an ambush, resulting in two fatalities, seven critical injuries, while five officers sustained minor injuries,” police said.

The lorry, attached to Mandera Police Station, was also transporting foodstuff.

The injured 12 were taken to Rhamu Sub-County Hospital.

In a statement published by its affiliate media, al-Shabaab claimed the responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters killed several soldiers in the attack.