KDF kill 31 Al Shabaab terrorists in Baadhere, Somalia

Kenya Defence Forces soldiers in Somalia. Photo: File

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers Sunday killed 31 gunmen whom they said were Al Shabaab militants in a clash at Baadhere area, Somalia.

An unknown number of the terrorists were injured while their two vehicles were destroyed, KDF said.

The incident involved artillery fire and helicopter gunships.

KDF spokesman Col Joseph Owuoth said ground troops were supported by attack helicopters and artillery fire to access the terrorists’ base and two command and logistics bases located 17 kilometers from Sarira near Hola Wajeer.

Improvised Explosive Devices recovered the raid on Al Shabaab camp in Somalia. (Photo: Courtesy)

“KDF successfully conducted a raid and destruction on two Al-Shabaab command and logistics bases in Baadhere District in Jubaland, Somalia,” said.

According to Col Owuoth, 11 AK 47 rifles, two machine guns, four Improvised Explosive Devices, communication equipment, several uniforms, a roll of detonating cable and 634 assorted bullets were recovered.

A roll of detonating cable was among the items recovered. (Photo: Courtesy)

He said KDF soldiers remain vigilant and will continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorist to ensure peace and security of our country Kenya, as well as support AMISOM operations in order to stabilise Somalia.

The killings come more than a month after KDF personnel killed 57 terrorists in Afmadow area and two months after the troops were attacked at a camp in Kulbiyow.

Besides Kenya, Al-Shabaab has attacked camps belonging to Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia, with Uganda and Burundi suffering massive causalities.

Somalia has not had an effective central government since the 1991 overthrow of President Siad Barre's military regime, which ushered in more than two decades of anarchy and conflict in a country deeply divided along clan lines.