KISMAYU, SOMALIA: A Kenya Defence Forces soldier has been killed in a clash with Al-Shabaab militants in Kismayu as pacification of the port continues.
Five militants were killed in the clash along the Kismayu-Bulahaji Road where they were trying to set up an observation point.
The militants were driven out of the town last month in a bloodless raid by the KDF and Amisom allies that received praises.
On Thursday, Department of Defence headquarters said the soldier was killed on Wednesday night in the clash with the militants and added the Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi had paid tribute to him.
“The Chief of the Defence Forces paid tribute to the fallen hero for his bravery and commitment in liberating Somalia,” read a tweet posted by the DOD.
Kenya Defence Forces Information Operations Officer Col Cyrus Oguna said AMISOM remains committed to protect the hard won security gains in order to ensure that Somalia continues on the road to sustainable peace.
He added that the incident happened on Wednesday at about 10.30 pm.
The troops with those of Somalia are interrogating a captured Al-Shabaab women’s leader in Kismayu port.
Apart from the woman, the troops also arrested 72 suspected militants and made a recovery of an assortment of weapons.
Her arrest is seen as a boost as the troops race to pacify the city that has been under the rule of the militants for long.
Two KDF soldiers were injured in the Sunday exercise after the militants engaged them in a shootout that left three of them killed and two AK 47 rifles and an RPG recovered..
Col Oguna added the UN and WHO representatives visited the area on a fact finding mission and were received warmly by the locals.
The troops took control of Kismayu last month in an operation that has been seen as a success in their efforts to restore order in the war torn country.
The Kenyan troops crossed to Somalia last year in an operation that was aimed at neuteralising the militants.
Five militants were killed in the clash along the Kismayu-Bulahaji Road where they were trying to set up an observation point.
The militants were driven out of the town last month in a bloodless raid by the KDF and Amisom allies that received praises.
On Thursday, Department of Defence headquarters said the soldier was killed on Wednesday night in the clash with the militants and added the Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi had paid tribute to him.
“The Chief of the Defence Forces paid tribute to the fallen hero for his bravery and commitment in liberating Somalia,” read a tweet posted by the DOD.
Kenya Defence Forces Information Operations Officer Col Cyrus Oguna said AMISOM remains committed to protect the hard won security gains in order to ensure that Somalia continues on the road to sustainable peace.
He added that the incident happened on Wednesday at about 10.30 pm.
The troops with those of Somalia are interrogating a captured Al-Shabaab women’s leader in Kismayu port.
Apart from the woman, the troops also arrested 72 suspected militants and made a recovery of an assortment of weapons.
Her arrest is seen as a boost as the troops race to pacify the city that has been under the rule of the militants for long.
Two KDF soldiers were injured in the Sunday exercise after the militants engaged them in a shootout that left three of them killed and two AK 47 rifles and an RPG recovered..
Col Oguna added the UN and WHO representatives visited the area on a fact finding mission and were received warmly by the locals.
The troops took control of Kismayu last month in an operation that has been seen as a success in their efforts to restore order in the war torn country.
The Kenyan troops crossed to Somalia last year in an operation that was aimed at neuteralising the militants.
Source: Standard Digital
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