KDF launches more airstrikes in pursuit of al Shabaab after Somalia attack

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Kenyan jet fighters have launched airstrikes in Elgadud and Dabley parts of Somalia in pursuit of al Shabaab militants who killed KDF soldiers. Photo/COURTESY

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Kenyan jet fighters have launched airstrikes in Elgadud and Dabley parts of Somalia in pursuit of al Shabaab militants who killed KDF soldiers.

It had earlier been reported that they carried out airstrikes in the winder Northern Gedo region following the ambush at an African Union base in El Adde last Friday.

Al Shabaab, which is aligned with al Qaeda, said it took over the base, about 550 km (340 miles) west of Mogadishu after a suicide bomber from the group rammed its gates.

The group said it killed 100 soldiers and captured some, whom militants are said to be using as human shields.

Residents in Mandera and Gedo regions said they witnessed the airstrikes, adding those near danger zones fled.

KDF spokesman David Obonyo told the Star on phone on Tuesday that the airstrikes destroyed tankers al Shabaab fighters stole after the attack.

Residents said anti-tank weapons were also destroyed. hey said the destroyed tankers and weapons were transported back to Kenya through Mandera.

A search, rescue and recovery operation, that Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe described as a priority, is ongoing.

Omamo, who issued statement alongside Mwathethe on Sunday, said the government is determined to bring the soldiers home.

The two received injured soldiers on Sunday and the bodies of four Kenyan fighters on Monday evening. More bodies are expected today.

The bodies were flown in from Wajir aboard a Kenya Airforce plane.About 20 soldiers rescued from Somalia have been flown back.

In a condolence message following the attack, Uhuru said Kenya will not be intimidated by "cowards" but Kenyans on Twitter criticised him saying this was a cliche statement.

The public wants details of how the attack happened, the number of soldiers killed and killed and the whereabouts of survivors.

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