KDF raids al Shabaab bases in Somalia, kills 31 militants
A file photo of a KDF soldier during an ambush in Somalia. /ERIC BOSIRE
DF killed 31 al Shabaab militants after raiding their bases in Baadhade district in Jubaland, Somalia on Sunday
Kenyan forces also seized IEDs, 11 AK-47 rifles and 634 rounds of ammunition from the militants’ base.
In a statement to newsrooms, KDF spokesperson Joseph Owuoth said they destroyed two vehicles belonging to the militants and seized military uniforms and foodstuff.
“The intelligence-led operation was executed by air and ground assets. Ground troops were supported by attack helicopters and artillery fire to access the terrorists’ base and the two command and logistics bases 17 kilometres from Siraria near Hola Wajeer,” he added.
He said other militants fled with injuries.
Read: KDF kills seven al Shabaab fighters in Somalia
In January, al Shabaab fighters attacked a Kenyan military base in the southern Somali town of Kulbiyow near the Kenyan border.
KDF said nine soldiers died while al Shabaab said it killed at least 66.
This was the terror group’s latest assault on Kenyan troops who are part of the African Union Mission in Somali
But President Uhuru Kenyatta has maintained that Kenyans troops will only leave the war-torn country after the threat of terror is eliminated.
Read:Kulbiyow deaths surpass KDF number, al Shabaab releases photos
On March 18, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a historic visit to Somalia and met soldiers serving under Amisom at Dhobley military camp.
His visit came four days after the State of the Nation address in which he paid glowing tribute to Kenyan men and women in uniform for their commitment and dedication to securing their country.
“Your being in Somalia has saved many lives and for that, Kenyans will forever be indebted to you. Your presence here has at least freed people of the fear of al Shabaab,” he told the troops.
More on this: #SOTN2017: KDF will fight al Shabaab until threat is eliminated – Uhuru
Also see: Read Uhuru’s 2017 State of the Nation speech