Suspected Al-Shabaab militants on Thursday attacked a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) camp in notorious Afmadow town in Somalia, VOA journalist Harun Maruf reports.
In the last three weeks, the Al-Shabaab militants have waged serious of attacks within Somalia capital, Mogadishu and it's outskirts with dozens of people said to have been killed.
And on Thursday, the militants reportedly attacked KDF base in Afmadow, forcing soldiers to respond. There were exchange of gunshots but until now, casualties remain unknown.
"Suspected Al-Shabaab militants fired on Kenya military base in Afmadow, Somalia, in the early hours of Thursday. Troops reportedly responded with heavy fire, forcing militants to retreat. Casualties not known," Maruf tweeted.
Apparently, the attack came barely four days after Army Commander Lieutenant General Walter Raria visited Forward Operating Bases in Somalia, where he encourage soldiers to put a spirited fight against the militants.
Lt General Raria said Kenya is keen to defend her territorial integrity, adding that KDF will continue pursuing Al-Shabaab militants until they are defeated. The visit also indicated that Kenya is not about to pull out of Somalia.
"Lt Gen Koipaton congratulated the troops for their outstanding and dedicated efforts in support of the Federal Republic of Somalia in neutralizing the threat posed by Al Shabaab terrorists; as well as defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya.
"The Commander assured the troops on continuity on provision of training and logistics as they continue to execute KDF's primary role. The visit also served as a morale booster to the troops it being an indicator the KDF command appreciates their selfless efforts as they execute its mandate," read a statement by KDF on Facebook.
The attack cones barely three years after suspected Al-Shabaab militants ran over a KDF camp at El-Adde, killing over 200 soldiers. The Government of Kenya is yet to release official report on what transpired.
Kenya invaded Somalia in pursuit of the militants in 2011 and joined AMISOM a year later. Despite KDF suffering heavy casualties in the neighbouring country, Al-Shabaab have also waged domestic attacks in Kenyan territory.
KDF is yet to issue an official statement following Thursday's attack that was probably quelled in time. On Wednesday, the US said that her aim of to neutralise Al-Shabaab before looking for a political settlement.