Kenyan soldiers kill 18 suspected Somali pirates

Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Kenyan troops killed 18 suspected Somali pirates
and captured two skiffs before advancing on the strategic town of
Burgavo, 120 km outside the port of Kismayu, where the biggest battle
is expected.

Kenyan Defence spokesman, Major Emmanuel Chirchir, said a Kenyan soldier
wounded in Thursday’s battle with the Al Shabaab as they advanced to
reinforce their defence of the town of Tabda, died of his wounds at
the Forces Memorial Hospital.

“This loss goes to strengthen our objective to defeat the Al Shabaab
in order to attain peace for Kenyans and the Somali populace,” Major
Chirchir said.

“The Defence Forces successfully captured the town of Burgavo,” Major
Chirchir explained.

The town is a key revenue point for the fighters and offers a
lucrative exit point for trade in charcoal and fish. The fish and
charcoal exports have been critical in financing the Al Shabaab war in
Southern Somalia.

The troops have advanced on various fronts in the battle against the
Al Shabaab’s strongholds in Southern Somalia. The takeover of the town
of Burgavo after nearly seven days of advancement now prepares the
troops for the battle for Kismayu.

Kenyan troops have seized the town of Ras Kamboni, 10 kms from the Kenyan
border with Somalia, and advanced on the towns of Dhobley and Beles
Qooqani, 100 km north of the Kenyan border in an advance towards
Kismayu.

Analysts say the troops would advance on Kismayu from Burgavo and the
Kenyan navy would back up the ground troops in the battle for Kismayu,
a key trade hub.

The Kenyan soldier who died in the troops first direct battle with the
Al Shabaab, was amongst a group retreating from Tabda to Beles
Qooqani.

Somali troops said a relief corridor had been cleared around Diffu. A
Somali commander on Friday called for humanitarian organizations to
enter the liberated territories to provide relief services to
thousands who had been cut off.
-0- PANA AO/MA 28Oct.2011