Seven Kenya Defence Force (KDF) soldiers have been killed in an explosion at Dhobley in Somalia near the Kenyan border.
At least two other soldiers are reported to have sustained injuries after their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED).
Reports indicate that the soldiers were on a routine patrol when one of the vehicles ran over the explosive as they were heading back to a military base in Dhobley, Lower Juba region.
[caption caption="A wreckage blown by IED"]
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Other sources indicate that a second vehicle belonging to KDF is likely to have been affected by the explosion.
The use of IEDs has become a weapon of choice by al-Shabaab as they target Somalia and AMISOM military convoys.
KDF has been operating under the under the African Union Mission in Somalia known as AMISOM.
The incursion in Somalia, that began in October 2011 dubbed Operation Linda Nchi, aimed at getting rid of the al-Shabaab terror group and is coordinated by AMISOM and the Somali military.
In March, 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a historic visit at Dhobley Camp in Somalia where he assured the soldiers of the governments commitment to support their mission and secure the country.
Although the war in Somalia has claimed many casualties on either side, KDF and AMISOM have been largely successful in weakening al-Shabaab's control and influence in Somali.
[caption caption="President Uhuru during the visit at Dhobley Camp"]
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The biggest blow to al-Shabaab came in November, 2012 when KDF and affiliated forces took charge of the Somali Port city of Kismayo; a crucial source of revenue for the terror group.
