
Audio By Carbonatix
The Kenyan army says it has killed 60 Somali al-Shabab militia fighters in air strikes and is determined to "break their spine completely".A further 20 of the Islamist fighters defected in recent weeks, army spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna told reporters in the Kenyan capital.But al-Shabab responded by promising to defeat the Kenyans.It is extremely hard to verify reports from inside Somalia and the two sides' versions of events differ widely.While the Kenyan army has captured ground, progress has been slow, partly because of poor weather, the BBC's Will Ross reports from Nairobi.However, a recent incursion into Somalia by Ethiopian troops has further increased pressure on the militants.Somalia has not had a functioning central government for more than 20 years and has been torn by fighting between various militias.In another development, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has warned that Kenya is currently on the alert for a terrorist attack.It has asked British citizens to "exercise extra vigilance and caution in public places and at public events".Police caution
Kenyan air strikes hit al-Shabab positions in Garbaharey in southern Somalia's Gedo region, according to Col Oguna.As well as losing "60 or more" fighters, the militia suffered 50 injured, he said."We will keep hitting them until their spine is completely broken... and we will relish that moment," the Kenyan spokesman added."The resistance from al-Shabab is crumbling, there is division within the al-Shabab leadership," he said.In a message on Twitter, al-Shabab said the Kenyan military intervention was "rapidly rolling down a path towards an ignominious end endured by all previous invaders".In Nairobi, a Kenyan police spokesman warned that the militia were still a threat."We don't believe that al-Shabab activities are totally neutralised," Eric Kiraithe told reporters.'Liaison officers'
Al-Shabab has denied involvement in raids on Kenya's coast last year which targeted foreign tourists and threatened a valuable industry for the country.In response, Kenya sent troops into Somalia in October.Ethiopia sent its forces across the border in November, driving al-Shabab out of the strategically important central town of Beledweyne and forming a new front against the militia.Col Oguna said Kenya had exchanged liaison officers with the Ethiopian army since they both faced a common enemy but the two fronts remained separate."The Ethiopians... might ease pressure because al-Shabab will be spread out with more enemies to fight, but they have their operation, and we have ours," he added.A third force confronting al-Shabab is a 10,000-strong African Union contingent made up of troops from Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti.Its task is to defend Somalia's Western-backed government from al-Shabab in the capital Mogadishu.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Berekum Chelsea edge Aduana FC in Bono derby to boost survival hopes
1 hour -
‘They can’t control the team’ – Ernest Thompson doubts local coaches for Black Stars role
2 hours -
Ghana-born midfielder Seidu realises ‘dream’ with Atlético Madrid debut
2 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Bubakari strikes late to hand All Blacks vital win over Dreams FC
2 hours -
Fatal crash on Kintampo–Tamale highway claims four lives
2 hours -
2025–26 FA Cup Semifinal Draw: Chelsea, Man City Learn Wembley Opponents
2 hours -
GPL 25/26: Gold Stars back on top after beating Nations FC
3 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Heart of Lions roar back with victory over Vision FC in Kpando
4 hours -
Solomon Agbasi: Hearts keeper in stable condition after concussion
4 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Late Salim Adams penalty earns Medeama draw at Bechem
4 hours -
Hearts pip Young Apostles 1-0 to end 5-game winless run
4 hours -
Boakye Agyarko marks Easter Sunday with a call for Godly leadership ahead of nationwide campaign tour
5 hours -
Pepsi withdraws as UK festival sponsor after Kanye West backlash
5 hours -
Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
6 hours -
Kpando MP highlights progress on road projects
6 hours