Kenya Defence Forces revealed how they unleashed their amphibious assault on Kismayu strong hold of Al Shabaab in their bid to neutralise the militants.The soldiers and alongside Somali National Army (SNA) are part of the Amisom troops who have been engaged in the fight against the militant group linked to Al Qaeda.
The soldiers launched a beach attack at night which caught the militant unawares. Most residents were forced to stay indoors until mid morning as fierce exchange of fire rent the air.
Colonel Cyrus Oguna, Kenya’s military spokesman on Somali mission said Kenyan troops used “an amphibious operations which are complicated, delicate and highly dangerous to execute.”
“KDF and Somali National Army undertook meticulous planning on the operations and executed it with utmost effectiveness never before seen in Africa, “Oguna said.
"The operation is dynamic. We have been there for only a couple of hours. It is too soon to predict how long it will take," he said. It is also feared several
Part of the assault was aided by aerial firepower which pounded strategic locations of the Al Shabaab logistical installations.
KDF officers described the current situation in Kismayu as stable, and asked residents stay calm and controlled.
Back home Kenyans praised the soldiers for their patriotic efforts with the social media awash with motivational words for the troops.
Amisom commander Lt-Gen Gutti said the intent of the military forces in Somalia is to liberate the people of Somalia from militants and to enable them live in peace.
“Operations are ongoing to neutralize specific Al Shabaab targets in Kismayu,” Gutti said in a media statement.
We urge all fighters in Kismayu to lay down their arms. In recent times a number of militants have contacted Amisom indicating their willingness to cease fighting and we have assured them of their safety if they give themselves up peacefully to our forces.” Gutti said.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said on his twitter: “Our soldiers have done Kenya proud by doing what many have tried and failed. Let us continue keeping our soldiers in our prayers.”
“Although this was a combined effort, the liberation of Somalia became achievable with entry of our men and women in uniform into Somalia.”
Source: Standard Media Group
