Garissa (Kenya): At least six Kenyans were killed Friday when al-Shabab terrorists raided a border town, police and government officials said.

The police reported that one person sustained a serious bullet wound when the militants launched the attack in Dhobley town in Garissa County near the Kenya-Somalia border.

The victims, Kenyans from the Meru region, were targeted because of their perceived religious affiliations during the morning attack, said Ali Manduku, a local county commissioner.

"All six are Kenyans who have been doing business along the borderline," Manduku said on the phone.

Witnesses said they were all shot at close range.

The al-Shabab group sought to assert its authority along the border region between Kenya and Somalia.

Police have increased their operations in the area, thwarting dozens of planned attacks.

(With UNI/Xinhua inputs)