Kenya authorities shoot dead 6 suspected poachers

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Wildlife Service says its rangers shot and killed three suspected poachers in one of its national parks, the latest in a series of poacher killings.

KWS spokesman Paul Udoto said Wednesday the organization has "re-energized" its efforts to stop the poaching of wildlife, especially elephants, who are hunted for their ivory tusks.

On Tuesday rangers shot and killed three suspected poachers in Tsavo National Park. Last week rangers shot and killed another three suspected poachers near Mount Kenya.

Udoto says six KWS rangers have died in the line of duty since December, a record high in such a short period. Udoto says the ranger deaths will not be in vain and KWS is determined to make poaching "a high-cost, low-benefit activity."