KDF says nine soldiers and over seventy Al-Shabaab fighters in Kulbiyow attack

Nine Kenyas have been killed and fifteen others sustained after Al-Shabaab fighters launched dawn attack on Kenyan military base in southern Somalia town of Kolbiyow.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Col. Paul Njuguna  confirmed Friday’s onslaught saying the attack was repulsed by the soldiers operating under Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“During this engagement KDF lost two officers and seven servicemen. Fifteen KDF soldiers who were injured during the engagement have been evacuated to Defence Forces Memorial Hospital for further medical attention,” he said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Njuguna said KDF soldiers successfully defended the military camp located in Kolbiyow and killed over 70 Al-Shabaab fighers and scores were wounded during the fighting.

“Over 70 Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and scores wounded in the attack. Additionally, KDF soldiers launched a hot pursuit on the fleeing terrorists,” he said.

Njuguna said KDF’s Quick Reaction Force, Land and Air Forces arrived at the Kolbiyow Camp early Friday and reinforced the defence and pursuit efforts.

He said pacification efforts are still on going, as well as consolidation of personnel and defensive posture at the camp.

“The KDF soldiers remain vigilant and will continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorist to ensure peace and security of our country Kenya, as well as support AMISOM operations in order to stabilize Somalia,” said Njuguna.

In January 2016, Al-Shabaab attacked Kenyan military based in e in El Adde where the group claimed to have killed over 100 soldiers.

The Kenyan military never gave details of casualties.