Kenyan soldiers kill Al-Shabaab commander in southern Somalia

Kenyan soldiers who are part of the African Union in Mission (AMISOM) on Saturday killed Al-Shabaab commander Bashe Nure Hassan in a foiled attack at the Somalia army camp in southern Somalia.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Colonel Joseph Owuoth said the militant group's commander was killed when the terrorists launched an attack at the Somalia National Army (SNA) location adjacent to the AMISOM/KDF defences at Kuday, which is a key port town.

Owuoth said the AMISOM troops backed SNA allies using mortars and machine gunfire to scuttle the terrorists attack.

"Following the failed terrorist attack, two Al-Shabaab terrorists were neutralized and scores suspected injured. One of the terrorists killed was Al-Shabaab commander Bashe Nure Hassan," Owuoth said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Hassan is a Kuday resident who was born and raised in the area before joining the terrorist group several years back.

Owuoth said the Kenyan soldiers recovered three AK 47 weapons, 22 magazines, a satellite phone and 290 rounds of ammunition. There was no casualty from the SNA or AMISOM/KDF troops.

"AMISOM/KDF soldiers remain vigilant and will continue to pursue the terrorists to ensure peace and security of our country, Kenya, as well as support SAMISOM operations to stabilize Somalia," Owuoth said.

Kenya has more than 4,000 troops in the 22,000-strong AU force in Somalia, helping the UN-backed government battle Al-Shabaab, which is part of the Al-Qaida allied terror network. Endit