KDF chief visits Kenya-Somalia border amid increased Al-Shabaab attacks

MANDERA, Kenya - Amid increased Al-Shabaab attacks along the Kenya-Somalia border, the Chief of Defense Forces of the Republic of Kenya Gen. Francis Ogolla has visited Northern Frontier Districts [NFD], in a fact-finding and motivational trip, which saw him interact with servicemen in Kenya Defence Forces [KDF].

General Ogolla, who recently toured Kenya's troops working in African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], has previously emphasized that KDF will work hard to secure every inch of the country following aggression by Al-Shabaab, who are keen to topple the government of Somalia.

According to KDF, Gen Ogolla visited Mandera, El Wak, Modika, and Gherille Forward Operating Bases [FOB[ in a bid to engage the troops as well as assess their mission readiness. Kenya has established close to 14 FOBs along the border to mitigate cases of cross-border activities in Al-Shabaab.

During the tour, he spoke with officers and soldiers stationed in the respective areas. He also made an address to the troops. CDF, Gen Ogolla, lauded them for their diligence in combating terrorism and ensuring sustainable peace and security in the region, KDF said in a statement.

In addition, Gen. Ogollaencouraged the troops to remain focused, always alert, and vigilant in the conduct of the operation. Further emphasizing the need to engage local residents while conducting operations as they have information about the region and the criminal elements in their midst.

Last week, KDF Special Operations Force killed close to 23 Al-Shabaab militants as retaliation to ongoing Al-Shabaab encroachment in the area. The militants have killed over 20 security officers across Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties according to official statistics.

On Monday morning, sources claimed Al-Shabāab al-Mujāhideen Terrorists conducted a reinforced ambush targeting SOG Unit at Kiwanja outside Welmereer in Garissa County. Three SOG Operators were killed and 8 injured in the morning attack, sources said.

In the coming weeks, the Somali National Army [SNA] with the help of international partners will be conducting the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab militants. The Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE