Soldiers killed along Kenya-Somalia border
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 08-10-2023, 04:36PM
BULA HAWO, Somalia - At least three members of the Somali National Army [SNA] were killed on Saturday along the Kenya-Somalia border in Beled-Hawo, in the latest assault waged by the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.
The soldiers were killed in a roadside explosion planted by Al-Shabaab, just as they heightened surveillance along the porous border. The town is located in the Gedo region of Somalia, which the Kenya Defense Forces use as the buffer zone.
According to witnesses, the soldiers were traveling in their vehicle before it ran over an IED, leading to massive injuries. At least 10 others were critically injured and have since been rushed to Mandera County Hospital across the border for treatment, sources said.
The incident comes just as the Somali National Army [SNA], the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], and the US Africa Command prepare for the second phase of a crackdown against the Al-Shabaab, mainly targeting Jubaland and Southwest states.
In July, Kenya suspended plans to re-open the border with Somalia following the resurgence of Al-Shabaab activities in the East African nation, with the Mandera-Bula Hawo border affected. The Border Point One connects Kenya and Somalia and has been closed for almost a decade.
The Kenya Defense Forces is mainly stationed in Jubaland state which has been for a long time used as buffer zone in the fight against Al-Shabaab. KDF works closely with Jubaland Regional Forces who are vital in degrading the militants in western Somalia.
KDF will take part in the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab and to safeguard locals along the border, at least 14 Forward Operating Bases have been erected, and in the future, most of the troops serving in ATMIS will retreat to the bases to guard the border.
GAROWE ONLINE
