Somali extremists say they captured some Kenyan soldiers

The terrorist group Al-Shabab attacked an African Union (AU) base in the town of El-Ade in Somalia on Friday, according to media sources. The captives identified themselves as Isaack Balewa, 50, and Lawrence Kamau, 30, and said they had only been serving in Somalia for two weeks when they were captured.

Four injured Kenyan fighters were received at the airport while others were flown in via Moi Air Base following the attack, whose number of casualties is yet to be released. The attackers used vehicles packed with explosives and suicide bombers.

At exactly 10.20 pm, the military parade to honour the fallen heroes came to an end and the soldiers carried the bodies of their colleagues to waiting ambulances parked towards the airport’s gate.

“Following Friday’s raid on a Kenyan base in the town of El-Adde, Gedo region, the death toll of the Kenyan crusaders massacred in the base has risen to 100 as confirmed by the Mujahideen’s military department”, the statement said. In the U.S. military, a company has 100 to 200 soldiers, according to the U.S. Army’s website.

Kenyan Defense Secretary Raychelle Omamo told reporters Sunday that there is an ongoing search, rescue and recovery operation in the area where the attack happened. “We have engaged the enemy and severely degraded him”, he added.

“Full details of those injured and killed will be made public after families affected are notified”, Omamo said. Al Shabaab often cites vastly higher figures than those given by officials.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has repeatedly said he would not be coerced into withdrawing Kenyan forces from Somalia, saying the troops are protecting Kenya.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the cowardly terrorist attack by Al Shabab will not deter nor hamper the government’s astute plan in eliminating and eradicating the remnants of the terrorist group from the whole country.