Sixteen people are reported dead following a fresh attack in Mandera County in the wee hours of today morning.

The attack occurred near a livestock market locally known as Soko Mbuzi, in an area that accommodates quarry workers.

According to police reports, residents allege to have started hearing heavy gunfire and explosions around 2 a.m. casualties were transferred to the Mandera County Referral Hospital by the Red Cross response team.

“People were sleeping when the attack happened. They just came and hurled explosives in the houses,” Mandera County Commissioner Alex Ole Nkoyo said o.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has confirmed though his Twitter handle that indeed the attackers were Al Shabaab militant.

“I can confirm an Al Shabaab attack in Mandera early this morning. Regrettably 14 person’s dead and 11 injured.” Read the tweet.

Earlier reports had put the death toll at 14 but recent accounts from medics put the number at 16 with fears that it may rise.