By Cyrus Ombati
Friday, September 28, 2012
Kenya Defence Forces alongside Amisom have taken control of Al Shabaab stronghold and headquarters of Kismayo in Somalia.
Kenya military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna said Kismayo fell at 2am Friday after a fierce battle with the terror militants.
The troops are urging the residents of the port to avoid areas under their control to avoid any form of collateral damage.
The port was the last bastion for the Somalia militants al-Shabaab which has been in control for the last couple of years.
Department of Defence headquarters said in a tweet the troops are in control of Kismayo without elaboration.
“KDF troops have taken control of Kismayo. Residents are advised to avoid areas where KDF and Somalia National Army troops are to avoid collateral damage,” said KDF in a tweet.
Spokesman Col. Oguna said the first group of troops arrived at Kismayo at about 2 am on Friday.
“Yes our troops are in control of Kismayo and urge residents to avoid the areas they are for now,” said Col Oguna.
The incident came two days after KDF jets and ships destroyed Al-Shabaab armoury store and warehouse after shelling Kismayo airport in an attack that shaped up the take over of the port.
It was the second time in less than a month that the troops were hitting Kismayo. Other reports indicated Islamist group Hizbul Islam has broken ranks with Al-shabaab militants. This has weakened the gang in many ways.
Lobby groups had warned that there could be many more civilian casualties in the battle ground which often go unreported.
The AMISOM forces are now pacifying the port of Kismayo—seen as the bedrock of the Al Shabaab militants.
Kenyan forces have warned civilians to keep off targeted towns, including Kismayo which are likely to experience major confrontations in the coming weeks.
“The capture of Kismayo is imminent. Kenya Government extends amnesty to Kenyans fighting in Somalia as Alshabaab. Retreat peacefully now,” said KDF in an earlier tweet as they headed for the port city.
There are tens of Kenyans who crossed to Somalia to fight alongside the militants. Some have been killed there while others are yet to come back.
The troops added they are concerned about the safety and security of civilians as efforts to capture Kismayo gather momentum and urged them to stay clear of Al Shabaab targets.
They also appealed to humanitarian agencies to come to the aid of the people fleeing to areas liberated by AMISOM and Somali security forces.
The troops have captured various towns in their advance to Kismayo, resulting to the killing of more than 1000 Al Shabaan militants.
Source: Standard