Kenya foils terror attack in coast region, recover weapons

KWALE, Kenya, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan security officers on Wednesday foiled a terror attack and seized rifles and ammunition in the coastal county of Kwale.

Police said they recovered two AK-47 rifles and 73 rounds of ammunition at a hideout believed to be used by Al-Shabaab militants to plan attacks during the festive season.

Msambweni police boss Joseph Chebusit told reporters that he believed one of the guns recovered was snatched from two police officers killed at an Anglican church in Ukunda during a terror attack.

The two officers were killed and two rifles stolen by gunmen riding on motorbike on September 3. The assailants escaped after stealing one rifle from the officers.

Anti-terror police said they are pursuing at least five returnees who escaped during the raid that led to the recovery of the firearms.

Coast regional police boss Larry Kieng said police have heightened security to deal with terrorism threats during the festive season.

Kieng said security agents are prepared to provide security for both foreigners and locals during the festive season.

Kieng said public and private vehicles using the Lamu-Garsen road have been advised to seek security escort due to security threats posed by the Al-Shabaab group. Enditem