Kenya's military crushes Al-Shabaab in three separate operations

NAIROBI, Kenya - Leading the multi-agency security teams within Kenya, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has managed to crush Al-Shabaab militants in three different locations within the East African nation, in the latest success against the terrorists.

According to security forces, the KDF targeted Al-Shabaab in Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa Counties. The three counties are prone to Al-Shabaab raids but the intensity has significantly reduced in the latest outings due to high-security surveillance.

Along the borders of Mandera and Wajir counties, an intelligence-led operation was conducted on suspected Al Shabaab hideouts spread across Iresqinto, Kutayu, and Boji area, officials confirmed, while acknowledging that the military and their counterparts are still alert.

Subsequently, several items dug and hidden into the ground were retrieved, among them AK47 and PKM ammunition, medical equipment, drugs, and several jerricans filled with water. The group has been trying to infiltrate the region.

In Garissa County, a joint security team came into contact with about 5 suspected Al Shabaab militants in Adan Santur. The team was responding to distress calls from locals whose camels were being forcefully confiscated by the terrorists.

Two camels were recovered and returned to their owners, who expressed immense gratitude to the security forces for their quick response. The militants, some of them injured, made a narrow escape and crossed the border into Somalia on a bullet-riddled white Toyota Probox vehicle, a security source said.

The outgoing Garissa County Police Commander, John Sichei, while speaking to the media, applauded the locals of Adan Santur for their close working relationship with security teams and encouraged the general public in North Eastern Region to emulate the same.

Kenya Defence Forces have been deployed along the borders with the Special Forces given the mandate to secure the borders. For a long time, the Al-Shabaab have struggled to wage successful attacks within northeastern Kenya and Lamu County.

The KDF has constructed some Forward Operating Bases within the border to ease operations soon. Some KDF soldiers are still serving the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) where they are assisting Somalia to stabilize.

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