A suspected terrorist attack was reported on Monday, April 29, at Elwak Town in Mandera County which led to multiple people sustaining severe injuries.

Reports indicated that the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in the town's Central Business District just near the Administrative Police (AP) post. 

Businesses in the area including banks announced the closure of operations as security officers commenced investigations into the matter and track down the perpetrators.

"We regret to inform you, that our Elwak Branch, Mandera County will remain closed today following an explosion in Elwak Town," one of the banks reported.

"We confirm that our branch and the staff in Elwak are safe."

Initial reports indicated that there was heavy gunfire between police officers stationed in the area and suspected Al Shabaab terrorists.

Security officers are yet to confirm the number of deaths that resulted from the bomb blast. 

According to witnesses, four non-locals and a local from the region had died during the IED explosion. 

While security officials confirmed the explosion, they did not confirm the eye witlessness's account that five people majorly from outside Mandera County had lost their lives.

Preliminary reports indicate that the IED had targeted houses belonging to teachers and healthcare workers in the region. 

Incidentally, the majority of tutors and healthcare workers as well as casual labourers in the area are non-locals.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has in the past urged locals in the North-Eastern not to provide cover to Al Shabaab militia.