Three KDF soldiers injured in shootout with Al-Shabaab in Lamu

{Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were on Sunday evening injured in a shootout with suspected Al-Shabaab militants at Ishakani in Lamu East Sub-County.}

KDF Spokesperson Colonel David Obonyo told the Nation on phone that the soldiers were on patrol when the incident happened.

He dismissed earlier reports that the three were killed in the attack.

“It is not true that three KDF (soldiers) were killed. Three KDF soldiers were injured, one of them critically in an Improvised Explosive Device attack and (they) were evacuated to Nairobi for medical attention,” said Col Obonyo.

Lamu County Coordinating Police Commander Mr Chrispus Mutali said they were on high alert after the incident to ensure safety of locals.

He urged the public to volunteer information to the police that will assist in arresting criminals in the region.

“We are alert to ensure Lamu is safe. We have enhanced security patrols in the entire county and residents should not be worried,” said Mr Mutali.

The KDF has been carrying out the Operation Linda Boni in Boni Forest . The operation, aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab said to be hiding in the forest, has been going on for four months.

The Sunday attack comes a week after CS Nkaissery toured Lamu while accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe, Inspector-General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, Coast Regional Commissioner Mr Samuel Kilele and Linda Boni Director of Operation Mr James Ole Serian.

SOURCE:DAILY NATION:[Three KDF soldiers injured in shootout with Al-Shabaab in Lamu->http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/Three-KDF-injured-in-Lamu-attack/-/1107872/2986748/-/fxv2fd/-/index.html]