Soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) say they have killed 7 Al-Shabaab militants and wounded an unknown number in an operation in southern Somalia.
The military seized 9 AK 47 rifles, 10 magazines, 2 rocket propelled grenade launchers and three grenades from the militants.
“Today at around 11am, KDF soldiers operating under AMISOM engaged Al-Shabaab militants at a location along Tabda-Delahola supply route,” said a statement from KDF’ public affairs office.
Two KDF soldiers sustained minor injuries during the intense gunfight on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
“KDF soldiers will remain vigilant and will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists, to ensure peace and security of our country Kenya, as well as support AMISOM operations in order to stabilise Somalia,” said KDF Spokesman PM Njuguna.
Operation Linda Nchi was the Kenya Defence Forces military entry into southern Somalia.The soldiers were in pursuit of Al-Shabaab militants that are alleged to have kidnapped several foreign tourists and aid workers inside Kenya.
Kenya’s incursion into southern Somalia started after the kidnapping of two Spanish women, who were working for Médecins Sans Frontières at the Dadaab refugee camp. The abductions were allegedly carried out by Al Shabaab militants.
AMISOM’s Deputy Force Commander Major General Tai Gituai today visited AMISOM troops at Sector II Headquarters in Dhobley, Somalia where he paid tribute to the heroes/heroines who have paid the ultimate price in the fight against Al Shabaab. pic.twitter.com/FfitKwSgpo
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) December 17, 2018
Médecins Sans Frontières issued a press statement at the time disassociating itself from any armed activities and related declarations launched following the abduction. The Kenyan government claimed its troop deployment had received approval from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG). Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Moses Wetangula, stated that the deployment of Kenyan troops was at the request of the TFG. The Kenyan military said that there was no set exit date for the operation, but the indicator of the mission’s success would be a crippling of Al-Shabaab’s capacity.