Kenya's Wildlife Service says rangers killed five poachers during a shootout Saturday in the western Rift Valley region.

A spokesman for the wildlife service says two rangers were wounded in the gunbattle.

The rangers confiscated 50 kilograms of elephant tusks along with three AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition.

The KSW says six other poachers were killed last month.

Authorities say the elephant tusks are smuggled into Asia to create ornaments, and rhino horns are viewed in some Asian cultures as having medicinal value, but the claim is unconfirmed.