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KDF kill 24 Shabaab militants in Somalia

Military Spokesman David Obonyo disclosed that the terrorists were confronted when AMISOM forces captured Bardere Bridge where they recovered 25 AK-47 rifles/FILE

Military Spokesman David Obonyo disclosed that the terrorists were confronted when AMISOM forces captured Bardere Bridge where they recovered 25 AK-47 rifles/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 23 – Twenty Four Al Shabaab militants have been killed in another offensive by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia.

Military Spokesman David Obonyo disclosed that the terrorists were confronted when AMISOM forces captured Bardere Bridge where they recovered 25 AK-47 rifles.

“AMISOM forces together with Somalia National Army (SNA) have captured the strategic Bardhere Bridge. The capture of the bridge was a culmination of AMISOM operation ‘Juba Corridor’ which started on 14th July 2015. The operation commenced from Fafadun and involved the liberation of a series of towns from Tarako, Jungal – bombarded by artillery a week ago and Tawakal,” he said.

He stated that four Somali soldiers were killed during the attack that occurred early Wednesday that also left two Kenyan soldiers wounded.

“In the morning engagement at Tawakal before capturing the bridge, 24 Al Shabaab terrorists were killed, four others were injured and one technical vehicle was destroyed. The AMISOM/SNA forces seized 25 AK-47 rifles, one PKM machine gun and assorted rounds of ammunition,” he said.

“Bardhere Bridge is the main gateway into Gedo. The Al Shabaab militia has predominantly used the bridge to move their fighters, weapons, ammunition and contraband goods into Gedo and wreck havoc into the Northern parts of Kenya. The loss of the bridge is therefore a major operational milestone in the fight against Al Shabaab and plays and integral part in shaping up operations for the ultimate capture of Bardhere town,” he stated.

AMISOM forces have lately intensified offensives against Al Shabaab militants as they strive secure Kenya and the region ahead of Friday’s arrival of US President Barack Obama.

The assault comes even as Kenyans on social media continued to express fury against American broadcaster CNN after it described Kenya as a “hotbed” of terror during one of its broadcasts.

Bringing the hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN back to life, Kenyans on Twitter took exception to the news outlet’s reduction of Kenya to a target for the Al Shabaab.

They described it as an attempt to rain on Kenya’s parade ahead of what is largely seen as President Obama’s homecoming.

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During Obama’s visit, Nairobi County Police Chief Benson Kibue announced that 10,000 officers will be deployed to provide security during the time he is in the country.

READ: 10,000 police officers deployed for Obama visit

Kibue stated that officers will be deployed to various venues, where President Obama will be and will work closely with the Secret Service in securing the world’s most powerful man and urged Kenyans to fully co-operate with security officials at all times and keep off events where they are not invited.

Kibue assured Kenyans that during the visit, nobody will be harassed and urged everyone not to fear moving around the city during the period.

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