Nairobi , Kenya ( CNN ) -- Two suspected ivory poachers were in custody and three others were killed by Kenyan authorities in the past week in a pair of incidents , the Kenya Wildlife Service said Monday . Five elephants also were killed in the incidents , the wildlife service said in a statement . In the latest skirmish , a suspect was killed Sunday night while exchanging gunfire with wildlife rangers on the outskirts of Meru National Park in Isiolo County , the statement said . Another was arrested in the town of Isiolo . The rangers ambushed the suspects , who allegedly were using axes to hack off an elephant 's tusks after shooting it to death , the wildlife service said . `` A major operation has been under way since dawn to arrest more suspects on the run , '' the statement said . `` They are believed to have sustained injuries from last night 's shootout . '' Authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles , 30 rounds of ammunition and 16.5 kilograms ( 36 pounds ) of ivory after the incident in the Garbatulla District of Isiolo County , the wildlife service said . Four magazines also were recovered -- three for AK-47s and one for an M-16 . A wildlife ranger was injured in the right shoulder during the exchange of gunfire . Abdi Gimbe , who is based at Meru National Park , was initially treated at a hospital but later was flown to Nairobi for treatment . Another poaching suspect was in custody in the town of Voi , near Tsavo East National Park , after an incident Tuesday , the wildlife service said . The suspect , arrested Saturday , was being questioned about the killings of four elephants in the Galana Ranch area and an illegal firearm found in his possession , authorities said . Two of the suspect 's alleged accomplices were shot when exchanging fire with wildlife rangers and three others escaped , the wildlife service said . An AK-47 rifle was recovered . Authorities recovered two pieces of ivory buried in sand and five more pieces in the suspects ' possession , the statement said . The suspect arrested Saturday had walked some 100 kilometers ( 62 miles ) from the scene of the incident , and was found with a G3 rifle and three rounds of ammunition , the wildlife service said .
Suspects exchanged fire with wildlife police in two incidents . Five elephants are killed , Kenya Wildlife Service says . More than 16 kilograms ( 35 lb ) of ivory stolen , wildlife service says .