Somalia: KDF troops distribute foods to Dhobley residents in Jubaland

KISMAYO, Somalia - As part of routine cooperation between civilians and troops serving in Somalia, Kenya Defense Forces team distributed foodstuffs at Dhobley on Thursday.

KDF troops man Sectors two and six of AMISOM territories mainly located in Jubaland state, southern Somalia.

At least 100 families benefited from the exercise whose ultimate goal is to boost the good relationship between residents and the troops, AMISOM said.

Dhobley town was one of the first towns to be liberated by KDF troops from the Al-Shabaab militants when Kenya invaded Somalia in 2011.

Col. Hassan Chala, the Deputy Sector Two Commander, who handed over the relief items on Thursday, said the support targeted refugees and IDPs.

Thousands of Somalis were displaced from their homes following floods which raged most parts of the country leasing to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

AMISOM has in the past conducted free medical camps for the community among other worthwhile support to the residents, the army officer said.

“We have been able to donate foodstuffs to about one hundred people. The support comes after recent heavy rains that caused flooding and displaced people who are now hungry and need food,” he noted.

Mukhtar Ahmed Sahal, the Dhobley town Deputy Administrator in charge of community service, hailed the AMISOM Kenyan contingent for the assistance to the community.

“AMISOM’s support for the vulnerable population in 2019 was enormous. They are our brothers with whom we live in Dhobley and we thank them for their timely support,” said Mukhtar.

Maryan Muhumed Ibrahim, who received rice and cooking oil, said the AMISOM donation was timely, and the community requires further assistance.

“We treasure the support they give us; which is always timely. We are happy for the support and hope they will continue because the need for the population is big,” she added.

Over 2,500 KDF troops are serving in the AMISOM mission in Somalia. Kenyan troops were integrated into the mission in 2012, a year after their ventures in Somalia.

Since then, despite suffering casualties mainly in Kulbiyow and El Adde, the troops have managed to secure strategic towns such as Kismayo.

Al-Shabaab militants have continued to cause havoc mainly in central and southern Somalia despite sophisticated efforts to degrade the group.

UN Panel of Experts in November 2019 said the group had resorted to "mafia-style" taxation antics even in the regions that are controlled by FGS.

Last week, the terror group unleashed in Mogadishu, killing close to 90 people besides wounding dozens. It has since apologized to civilians.

Kenya also continues to face toxic retaliatory attacks waged by the militants. On Thursday, the group killed three passengers in the coastal town of Lamu.

GAROWE ONLINE