Updated

The Kenya Red Cross says seven people have been killed after gunmen attacked a bus along the Kenyan coast where previous attacks had left 87 people dead.

The humanitarian group said Saturday the attack Friday night came at Corner Mbaya, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the coastal town of Witu. Authorities believe many of the passengers in the 52-seater bus fled into a nearby forest.

Al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants from Somalia claimed responsibility for the attack.

Despite the heavy deployment of security forces, including the Kenyan army, following attacks in the region in June and early July, the raiders have continued to attack seemingly at will.

Al-Shabab has also claimed responsibility for previous attacks but the Kenyan government claims local political networks are responsible.