Ivory poachers shot dead in Kenya

Nairobi, April 22 (IANS) Wildlife rangers have shot dead five suspected ivory poachers in a gun battle in Kenya, BBC reported.

Two rangers were hurt during the gun battle in West Pokot county, said officials from Kenya's Wildlife Service.

They said 50 kg of elephant tusks and many AK-47 rifles were recovered.

Kenya has recently taken an aggressive stance against poaching.

KWS spokesman Paul Udoto said rangers were determined to make poaching "a high-cost, low-benefit activity".

About 100 elephants are killed each year in Kenya by poachers, the KWS said.