Source: Open Doors, December 16, 2019
A bus attack by the Islamic extremist group al Shabaab in Kenya has claimed ten lives. Reportedly, the militant group claimed responsibility for the attack in which they separated the “local” (Muslims) and “non-local” (non-Muslims) passengers before executing ten non-locals, including several police officers.
The bus was traveling from the Kenyan cities of Wajir and Mandera near the Somalian border—an area mostly inhabited by ethnic Somali Kenyans.
Amani, an Open Doors team leader in the field, reported that one of Open Doors’ local ministry partners called after the attack.
“They have attacked us again as usual,” the partner said.
Sadly, Christians have come to expect violent attacks like this as they head into holiday seasons, such as Christmas or Easter, Amani explained. While media outlets have been slow to specifically say Christians were targeted in this attack, Amani offers perspective from being on the ground in Kenya.
» Full story reports claims that some politicians are seeking to eliminate Christianity in Kenya. Let’s pray for an end to this kind of violence.
» Even as believers worldwide look forward to the holiday, some may be in particular danger at this time. We read that Indonesia has boosted Christmas security over potential terror threats (France24). An opinion piece from Foreign Policy Association asks: Where is the outrage over the plight of persecuted Christians?