Kenya attack: 48 dead as suspected Islamists raid Mpeketoni
2,527 views · Published 15 July 2014 · 0:42 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: News Direct · 2014 · News & Politics
At least 48 people were killed on Sunday night after suspected Islamist militants raided the Kenyan town of Mpeketoni. According to Britain's The Telegraph, the attack started on Sunday, at around 8:30 p.m., when dozens of men in minibus taxis flying al Shabaab's black flag started shooting at people along roads leading into town. Once into Mpeketoni, the attackers threw explosive at a police station, then stormed it and stole weapons, Reuters reported. They then set fire to two small hotels in which people had gathered to watch World Cup football matches, and other structures and buildings like restaurants, banks and government offices, the BBC reported. Many Mpeketoni residents fled into nearby forests as the attack continued, Reuters reported. The Kenyan Red Cross said some of the casualties had been evacuated to a hospital in Lamu, a popular tourist destination about 30 km away. Al Shabaab has not claimed responsibility for the raid and police is unable to say if the group or other criminals are behind the assault. According to the BBC, since 2011, when Kenyan forces entered neighboring Somalia to attack al Shabaab fighters, the country has been suffering several militant attacks.
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