More than 100 militants have been killed by Kenyan forces, according to reports.
Kenyan security forces also destroyed an Islamist militant camp in Somalia, Deputy President William Ruto said.
The militants were responsible for an attack on a bus Saturday that killed 28 people. Gunmen reportedly ordered passengers on the bus to recite Korean verses and then gunned down non-Muslims who were not able to recite the verses.
Al Shabaab said its men ambushed the Nairobi-bound bus near Kenya’s border. The attack was in retaliation for raids on mosques, where militants are believed to be recruiting and storing weapons.
“The Mujahideen successfully carried out an operation near Mandera early this morning, which resulted in 28 crusaders perishing as revenge for the crimes committed by the Kenyan crusaders against our Muslim brethren in Mombasa,” said Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, al Shabaab’s spokesman.
Those militants were then pursued and killed by Kenyans.
“Two successful operations were carried out against the perpetrators of these murderous executions across the border,” Ruto said. “Our retaliatory action left in its trail more than 200 fatalities.
“Our message to them is clear— you may sneak and attack innocent civilians. But for any attack on Kenya and its people, we shall pursue you wherever you go.”
Publication date: November 24, 2014