KDF in Somalia (Photo: The Conversation)
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) operating in Somalia have recovered 11 rifles loaded with bullets in the possession of al-Shabaab militants.
The troops were acting on a tip-off when they intercepted and captured a suspect who was carrying the weapons.
According to reports, the suspect belongs to a logistics unit of the terror group and together they are said to have planned a large-scale attack on the troops operating at the nearby base.
Sources aware of the operation said the recovery was seen as major and had weakened the gang’s plans.
This comes in the wake of heightened alertness in parts of the country following reports the militants have been planning an attack.
Additionally, with the ending of the Ramadan period, and rains being experienced in parts of the Kenya-Somalia border, there are fears the terrorists could send remnants with instructions to attack targeted areas.
However, the terrorists have been using Improvised Explosive Devices to attack targets and officials say this shows the threat of IEDs remains persistent in a particular area of responsibility.
The officials added that, the terrorists are exploiting the low-cost strategy and deploying it near forwarding operating bases or main supply routes to attack their targets.