DHAKA: Kenyan security forces have killed five people suspected of involvement in attacks that killed at least 60 people, BBC reports. 

The interior ministry said the suspects were shot dead while trying to escape Kenyan forces near Mpeketoni.

The small coastal town was the scene of two deadly attacks earlier this week.

Islamist militants al-Shabab said they were behind the attacks but President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed it on "criminal gangs" and "local political networks".

The media spoke to a senior military official who confirmed that five suspects had been killed but said other suspected attackers had escaped.

"Others escaped after an exchange of fire with our men, but five were killed," the officer said. "They were armed with AK-47 rifles and it is believed they were involved in the attacks."

Gunmen killed dozens of people in Mpeketoni on Sunday night, attacking the local police station and setting two hotels on fire before rampaging through the town.

Source: BBC

BDST: 0219 HRS, JUN 20, 2014