DEPUTY ARMY COMMANDER COMMENDS KDF TROOPS FOR THEIR OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISM

Deputy Army Commander Major General (Maj Gen) Albert Kendagor visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in Operation Amani Boni (OAB) and those serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

During his four-day visit to the troops, Maj Gen Kendagor applauded the troops for their diligence to duty by conducting aggressive patrols in their areas of responsibility that have helped in degrading and denying the enemy freedom of movement and action.

“We highly appreciate your efforts in safeguarding the territorial integrity of our republic by continuing to degrade the enemy in the frontline. These efforts have highly contributed to reduced enemy activities,” said Maj Gen Kendagor while addressing soldiers at Belles Qooqani Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Maj Gen Kendagor underscored that other than taking part in the regional peace enforcement mission, the troops are playing a crucial role of improving the livelihoods of the residents within their areas of responsibility through various Civil Military Cooperation activities and promoting socio-economic growth targeting women groups and the youth who are the most vulnerable in the society.

‘‘Your mandate is fighting terrorism and peace enforcement, however I must appreciate the efforts you are putting in engaging the residents in your areas of operation by providing them with economic empowerment, medical services and improving the infrastructure like roads and schools. All these efforts are essential for peace and development in the society,’’ he said.

The Deputy Army Commander further assured the troops on continuity on enhancing their capabilities as they execute the assigned duties. He also encouraged the troops to remain extremely vigilant throughout their tour-of-duty so as to degrade all threats to security.

AMISOM Sector II Commander Brigadier Jeff Nyagah assured the Deputy Army Commander that the troops remain mission focused, resilient and motivated in executing AMISOM’s mandate.

“The troops have been conducting long range enduring patrols and surgical operations jointly with the Somali Security Forces and in some occasions they encountered enemy ambushes but the first class training they have been receiving gave them victory where several Al Shabaab militants were killed. The troops are making positive strides in ensuring peace and stability in Somalia is achieved in line with AMISOM’s mandate,” said Brigadier Nyagah.

Commander OAB Colonel Meshack Kishoyian briefed the Deputy Army Commander that OAB remains a fulcrum to support the KDF troops deployed on AMISOM duties in areas proximal to the border mostly in the Lower Juba area.

Among the FOBs visited by the Deputy Army Commander are Mkunumbi, Hulugo, Baure, Ras Kamboni, Sarira, Kolbiyow, Afmadhow, Belles Qooqani, Hoosingo, Tabda and Dhobley.