KDF soldiers killed in Somalia army base attack

Nairobi. The Kenya Defence Forces on Friday deployed helicopter gunships and fighter jets in a massive counter-offensive against the Al-Shabaab after the terror group attacked its camp in El-Adde, in Gedo Somalia, killing an unknown number of soldiers.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, saluted the Kenyan troops who were killed in combat, saying they did not die in vain, because they were protecting Kenya from her enemies.

“Regrettably, some of our patriots in uniform paid the ultimate price. It is heart-breaking. I want to take this opportunity to express mine and the country’s deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the fallen. I stand with you.

Our country stands with you. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by your loved ones in defence of our democracy, our peace and our security,” he said in a statement issued from Mombasa, where he launched a national street-lighting programme.

The President said the Kenyan troops would remain in Somalia to sustain the offensive against the Al-Shabaab until the terror group was defeated.

“We will not be cowed by these cowards. With our allies, we will continue in Somalia to fulfil our mission. We will hunt down the criminals involved in today’s events. Our soldiers’ blood will not be shed in vain,” he added.

The counter-offensive, which was triggered by a 4am ambush on the Kenyan camp, lasted the entire day.

Earlier, the military headquarters in Nairobi confirmed the deaths but fell short of giving the number of those killed in combat, saying efforts to “consolidate” returns from the battlefield were still ongoing.

Other soldiers were Missing In Action (MIA), meaning they had not been accounted for.

“The terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked an African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) base camp at El Adde, in Somalia. (NMG)