Atleat 48 people were killed in an al-Qaeda attack in Kenyan coastal town of Mpeketoni. The battle between the militants and the local security forces lasted for hours. Many buildings, vehicles and the local police station was burnt down by protesters. The town is a popular tourist destination because of its coastal location.

The attack is linked to Somalia's al-Shabab group as it is said to have carried out the attack to avenge the killing of Muslims in the region. Local sources said the militants shot down all residents who were not able to quote verses from the Holy Koran.The attack was the worst since attacks in last September when 67 people were killed during a siege by al-Shabab fighters.

The ministry sources reported that the attackers were bandits. They reportedly fled to a nearby jungle following the attack. Residents said that militants used a hijacked van to carry out the attack in the tourist destination. The state has been put on high alert mode following warnings of further attacks by al-Shabab.