Authorities in Kenya have filed charges against 150 people arrested in an ongoing crackdown against a militia in the western Mount Elgon region.

Judicial sources said Tuesday that the suspects appeared before a court in Sirisia on Sunday and were charged with promoting "war-like activities."

Most of the suspects are said to be under 30 years of age and are accused of supporting the Sabaot Land Defense Force, a militia that has been fighting the government over land disputes.

The government blames the militia for the deaths of more than 500 people over the past two years.

Security forces backed by helicopters began attacking targets in Mount Elgon last week.  At least eight people have been killed in the fighting.

Local officials have criticized the operation as being too heavy-handed.