Update on Lamu attack: US confirms three Americans killed, two injured

Three American citizens were killed and two others wounded in Sunday’s Al Shabaab attack on a Kenyan military base in Manda Bay, Lamu County.

This according to a latest update from the US Africa Command, the body responsible for America’s military relations with other nations and regional organizations in Africa.

According to the US Africa Command, the deceased include one US Service member and two Department of Defence contractors.

On the other hand, the injured, who are reported to be in stable condition, are members of the Defense Department.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our teammates who lost their lives. As we honour their sacrifice, let us also harden our resolve. Alongside our African and international partners, we will pursue those responsible for this attack and al-Shabaab who seeks to harm Americans and US interests,” said Commander of the US Africa Command, General Stephen Townsend.

“We remain committed to preventing al-Shabaab from maintaining a safe haven to plan deadly attacks against the US homeland, East African and international partners,” he added.

The US Africa Command further noted that the militants penetrated the military base compound but were repulsed by Kenya Defence Forces and US soldiers.

Six contractor-operated aircraft were damaged in the attack that involved indirect and small arms fire, according to the US Command.

A statement issued by the Kenya Defence Forces on Sunday did not disclose the number of military casualties suffered but it revealed five terrorists had been killed.