Kenya bolsters security along its border with Somalia

Kenya has deployed more troops along its border with neighbouring Somalia, a local Kenya media outlet reported.

According to The Star on Saturday, the move comes amid “a sustained offensive from the Somalia National Army (SNA) and other local personnel” that has pushed Al-Shabaab out of swathes of territory in central and southern Somalia. 

Since his election in May, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to wage an “all-out war” to defeat Al-Shabaab and secure the country. 

Last Monday, the Somali army and allied local militias known as Macawiisley captured the strategically locate Adan Yabaal town in Middle Shabelle region, the latest in a string of towns liberated from the extremist group. 

“The hostile environment in Somalia coupled with the dwindling funding gotten through Zakat (alms) will push the militants towards Kenya through Mandera, Wajir and Garissa borders,” a senior Kenyan security official aware of the operations told The Star. 

The Star added that residents in Kenya’s northeastern region have spotted unfamiliar faces in their midst who they suspect could be al-Shabaab returnees.