KDF commander visits troops in Somalia amid complaints of unnecessary airstrikes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A top Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] commander on Friday visited several Forward Operating Bases [FOBs] in Somalia amid claims by Mogadishu that the Kenyan troops have been targeting civilians in the Gedo region of Jubaland.

Sector II Commander Brigadier Jeff Nyagah who is also the Contingent Commander of the Kenyan troops serving in Somalia under AMISOM visited the Kenya Defence Forces troops deployed in various Forward Operating Bases in Somalia.

Brigadier Nyagah visited troops based at Kolbiyow, Ras Kamboni, Kuday, Abdale Birole, New Airport, Old Airport, and SeaPort FOBs. He commended the soldiers for their diligence to serve and resilience in ensuring there is sustainable peace in Somalia and in the region at large.

Brigadier Nyagah urged the troops to remain extremely vigilant throughout their tour of duty so as deter and defeat emerging threats to security. Further, he encouraged the troops to continue enhancing interoperability with Somali Security Forces as enshrined in the Somali Transition Plan.

The visit served as a morale booster to the troops it being an indicator of the KDF command appreciating the selfless efforts of the troops as they execute its mandate. During the visit, Brigadier Nyagah paid a courtesy visit to Commander Sector VI Brigadier Abebaw Seid Yimer and the Command elements of United States Marines based at the New Airport, Kismayo.

His trip comes amid allegations that the KDF troops have been launching airstrikes against innocent civilians in the Gedo region, with Somalia's government now demanding that AMISOM investigates the claims and takes actions against those involved.

Kenya is yet to respond to the allegations but there are several troops serving in Sector II where Gedo belongs. KDF has been targeting Al-Shabaab militants who control large swathes of the Middle Jubba region, where Al-Shabaab also has headquarters.

Nairobi and Mogadishu have been at loggerheads and more often than not, the Gedo crisis has been the focal point for the differences. Somalia accuses KDF of acting outside her mandate by bombing civilians but no such reports have been made official.

GAROWE ONLINE