The search, rescue and recovery mission by Kenya's Special Forces in El-Adde Somalia, has been slowed down after the troops realised that Al Shabaab militiamen had fitted bodies of slain soldiers with jackets loaded with explosives.
Reports now indicate that the military Elite squad, who are highly trained to handle explosives, had to go slow on the mission owing to the danger it posed.
In the rescue operation, 11 soldiers reportedly accommodated by locals were found alive, and were evacuated from the ill-fated area bringing the number of survivors to about 40, the Standard reports.
Reports further indicate that about 60 bodies have since been recovered and are due to be flown to Nairobi.
The total number of KDF soldiers felled in the deadly attack on Friday morning remains a puzzle, with the Defence Ministry and Millitary officials urging for patience, while promising to give the accurate death toll once the recovery mission was completed.
“Information regarding casualties and the fallen will be availed to affected families directly as the rescue, recovery, verification and consolidation operations continue,” said Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo.
Recovered bodies are being preserved at the Forces Memorial Mortuary, where families have been identifying their loved ones.
