Kenyan troops on Thursday killed nine Al-Shabaab fighters and injured several others in a fierce exchange of fire after they were ambushed by the militants in Southern Somalia
The Kenyan troops were ambushed by an estimated 45 Al-Shabaab fighters as they moved from the town of Tabda to Beles Qooqani in central Jubaland to reinforce their compatriots.
“Today, at around 11.30am, Kenyan troops came under Al-Shabaab attack, which marks the first engagement with the militia force. Al-Shabaab strength at the time of attack is estimated at 45 militants,” said Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir in a statement.
Two Kenyan soldiers were injured, one critically during the fire exchange and were airlifted to the Advanced Dressing Station in Garissa for treatment.
It was the first time the Kenyan troops were encountering resistance from the militants since they started Operation Linda Nchi 10 days ago.
“The attack was conducted as KDF was moving from Tabda to Beles Qooqani to reinforce the forward positions. Nine Al-Shabaab killed with others escaping with injuries. Two KDF troops injured, one critically. The soldiers have all been airlifted for medication,” the statement said.
Earlier, Al-Shabaab caused a stir by reportedly asking for a truce and negotiations, a report later denied by government spokesman Alfred Mutua.
In Parliament, Foreign Affairs assistant minister Richard Onyonka appeared to have thrown a cat among pigeons when he declared that the government is ready to negotiate with the Al-Shabaab for an end to the current military operation if the group renounces violence and stops its actions there.
He claimed Al-Shabaab has frequently been in touch with the government.
“The truth is the Al-Shaabab is frequently and constantly in touch with the Kenyan government…If the Al-Shaabab would like to discuss and engage with the Kenyan government, our channels are very open,” said Mr Onyonka.
“If they don’t renounce violence, the Kenyan government shall not discuss anything with them,” he added.
His comments provoked a rare media comment from Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura who told the Nation that he “is not aware” of any negotiations between Kenya and Al-Shabaab.
“The government cannot negotiate with a terrorist group,” he said.
However, he said, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia is sending a delegation for “bilateral talks to strengthen cooperation between the two countries”, possibly a polite way of saying the two sides have agreed to sit down and hammer out a deal on the military operation.