Kenyan troops kill Al-Shabaab fighters crossed from Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have killed five Al-Shabaab fighters in Fafi, Garissa County, in yet remarkable progress within the East African nation which has been battling against terrorism for the last decade.

The militants, who had crossed over from neighboring Somalia, were ambushed by the KDF Special Operations Force, who were deployed to the region recently after the security situation deteriorated within the northeastern and Lamu regions.

The highly trained forces eliminated 5 militants and captured 4 Al-Shabaab fighters who are currently undergoing interrogations. The captured militants could face trial under Kenyan law or could be subjected to court martial in the country.

Special Forces recovered 2 PKM, 1 RPM, 6 AKs, and several IED-making materials. Additionally, telephone phones and SIM cards were also recovered. A quick exploitation of the phones has so far given important leads on several local AS facilitation networks.

The intelligence-led operation caught the Al-Shabaab fighters by surprise as they crossed into Kenya and established a temporary camp in the Fafi area of Garissa, authorities reported. This was one of the best gains by the security teams within Kenya in as many months.

Al-Shabaab group is increasingly under pressure in the Republic of Kenya and Somalia, following the activation of the second phase of operations against the group. The first phase targeted Galmudug and Hirshabelle states where over 3,500 militants were killed.

The second phase is set to kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states where KDF man. The Al-Shabaab militants have been trying to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but have faced resistance throughout the period.

GAROWE ONLINE