Kenyan soldiers kill 52 Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

Kenyan soldiers who are part of the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) on Friday killed 52 Al-Shabaab in an attack in southern Somalia.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Colonel Joseph Owuoth said the soldiers also successfully destroyed an Al-Shabaab terrorist camp located 9km north of Sarira, Badhaadhe region of Lower Jubba.

"The intelligence-led operation was executed after surveillance assets sighted Al-Shabaab terrorist concentration in the location. Ground troops supported by mortar and artillery fire were employed to neutralize the camp thereafter," Owuoth said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

During the raid, the military spokesman said, seven AK-47 rifles, one PKM gun, two phones, 104 rounds of ammunition, three improvised explosive devices (IED), assorted IED-making material and food stuff were recovered.

"The KDF wishes to assure the public that operations against Al-Shabaab will continue until the terrorists are all eliminated in order to ensure Kenyans and their neighbours enjoy peace and security," Owuoth said.

The Kenyan soldiers have stepped up their air and ground operations against the militants in southern Somalia despite their continued resistance, at times targeting military camp.

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-Qaeda allied terror network. Endit