The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) foiled an al-Shabaab attack on the night of Saturday, May 17, in an ambush in which they killed five members of the militia group.
A statement released by KDF on Sunday detailed how 20 members of the militia group had lodged an attack on Somali Security Forces in Bilis Qooqani.
The attack was well planned as the militia attacked in three different directions but KDF officers responded promptly by dispatching a special force.
“After the gunfight, KDF troops had killed 5 Al Shabaab terrorists, they also recovered 5 AK47 rifles and several rounds of ammunition.
“KDF will continue to work closely with SSF in support of operations to restore peace and reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Additionally, KDF will continue to build the capacity of SSF as well as assist them in stabilisation, reconciliation and peacebuilding in Somalia," read the statement in part.
The special KDF soldiers, who were operating under AMISOM, also recovered five AK 47 riffles and several rounds of ammunition.
In the statement, KDF reinforced its pledge to work closely with Somali soldiers in eliminating the outlawed sect.
"KDF will continue to work closely with SSF in support of operations to restore peace and reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab.
"Additionally, KDF will continue to build the capacity of SSF as well as assist them in stabilisation, reconciliation and peacebuilding in Somalia," continued the statement.
This was the latest development in the conquest that Kenya has had over the militia group at that particular location including in October 2018 when 24 Al Shabaab soldiers were killed.
The then close-quarter battle that lasted for more than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, three soldiers drawn from the Special Operations Regiment (SOR) sustained injuries.
Bilis Qooqaani is a town in the Afmadow district of the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia. It lies approximately 70 kilometres away from the Kenya-Somali border.
