Kenya declares war on Al Shabaab!

Askari Kanzu · Dec 23, 2011

Human Rights Concerns of Operation Linda Nchi

A prompt and impartial investigation is needed into what happened in Hosingow village. All sides need to act to minimize harm to civilians - Ben Rawlence

(Nairobi) The government of Kenya should investigate the death of as many as 11 civilians during a Kenyan air force raid on Hosingow village in Somalia on December 20, 2011, Human Rights Watch said today. Both the Kenyan armed forces and the armed group al-Shabaab should take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian casualties during military operations, Human Rights Watch said.

Two residents of the village of Hosingow in southern Somalia told Human Rights Watch by telephone that two military planes attacked the village during the afternoon of December 20. The first dropped a bomb on makeshift huts, one of which was a school, they said, killing seven children and one woman. The second strafed the village with a machine gun, killing one woman and at least two men, all civilians. The witnesses said 24 civilians were wounded in the attack and had to be evacuated as there are no medical facilities in Hosingow.

A prompt and impartial investigation is needed into what happened in Hosingow village, said Ben Rawlence, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. All sides need to act to minimize harm to civilians.

Hosingow is in territory controlled by the rebel armed group al-Shabaab, but Human Rights Watch was unable to determine whether its forces were present in the town at the time of the attack.

A Kenyan army spokesman, Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir, confirmed to the media that Kenyan forces were responsible for the attack but said that no civilians had been killed.

Kenyan armed forces have been conducting military operations against al-Shabaab in Somalia since October 16.

International humanitarian law, or the laws of war, obliges the parties to an armed conflict to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to the civilian population. Attacks that target civilians or civilian objects are prohibited, as are attacks that do not discriminate between civilians and military objectives, or that were expected to cause civilian harm that was greater than the anticipated military gain. The laws of war require governments to investigate credible allegations of violations.

Human Rights Watch wrote to the Kenyan government on November 18 urging it to investigate allegations of indiscriminate use of force in the course of its Somalia campaign, called Operation Linda Nchi (Swahili for Protect the Nation). Human Rights Watch has yet to receive a response to its letter.

Source

Kabaridi · Dec 23, 2011

Askari Kanzu said:
What I am witnessing among Kenyans now is kakorrhaphiophobia which is translating itself into inaniloquency. [/I]

We Kenyans have a fear of failure that is why we are speaking profusely, Ha!. Tunapotoa mchango wetu kwa hii forum, unasema tunazungumza mengi. Sawa at least I have known this might be a responsible and to a short extent an extension of FB. Sawa I may not contribute anything to this thread for some-time. But one thing I know is, the failure of others has nothing to do with me, neither the success of others has anything to do with you.

Bagamoyo · Dec 24, 2011

Nairobi, Kenya
23.12.2011
Operation Linda Nchi
Location: Nairobi and Mombasa cities

Police arrest six over Christmas terror plot.

Six suspected Al-Shabaab militants have been arrested amid reports that the terrorist group planned to carry out attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa over the festive period.

Police commissioner Mathew Iteere said the suspects arrested on separate days this week belong to a local cell of the group with links to the global Al-Qaeda terror network.

"We've addressed threats in Mombasa and Nairobi. We have arrested six suspects, two in Mombasa and the others here (Nairobi). We are on high alert and we are going to increase police visibility in public places in those areas," he said.

The local cell of Al-Shabaab operates from Majengo area in Nairobi, according to a past confidential security brief seen by the Nation.

The police chief said the suspects had been interrogated and that his officers were on the look out for others.

"We are talking to them and we cannot allow them to go on with their mission. Every security officer is on the lookout and all such characters will be arrested," Mr Iteere said.

Security officials privy to police operations told the Nation that the six had on several occasions travelled to Somalia and undergone military training in Al-Shabaab camps in recent years.

Read More Source: Police arrest six over Christmas terror plot - News |nation.co.ke

Bantugbro · Dec 24, 2011

Askari Kanzu said:
Ally Kombo, not really. But as someone conversing with these imperseverant Kenyans I have come to discover, ab initio, that in order to be inexpugnable and put them in situ, I am obliged to deploy vocal ballistics of altitonant character so as to elumbate and render them anandrious. These people still wallow in, (to quote Patrick Obahiagbon), cankerous tribalism, ethnocentric chauvinism , syphilitic parochialism and catalytic parapoism. To most of them, the command of English (that colonial language) is a litmus test, a sine qua non, of academic excellence. And that's why!

Kijana sasa unauwa kabisa...:lol:

kshaka · Dec 24, 2011

while their apologists continue making noise on the internet, Al-Shabaab continue being pounded in South Somalia;

SomaliaReport: Airstrikes in Gedo Kill 10 Al-Shabaab

At least 10 al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others injured on Friday as heavy airstrikes carried out by suspected Kenyan helicopters hit three al-Shabaab military bases between the Busaar and Bardhere ditricts in Gedo Region, residents said. The airstrikes targeted bases in and around the Qabri-bayah and Takar villages late on Friday, and residents told Somalia Report that al-Shabaab has suffered severe losses which led the militants to withdraw their troops from the area.
In recent days there were some planes flying over our village. Early in the morning we saw about five helicopters overhead and after a few minutes we heard at least ten huge explosions from afar, and we learned that the attacks targeted al-Shabaab bases, Haji Ali Abdukadir, living near Busar, told Somalia Report. All the roads leading to the area attacked were blocked by al-Shabaab and they have not allowed any civilians to visit the area. Later, we saw a lot of vehicles heading in the direction of Bardhere. By word of mouth, we learn around 10 al-Shabaab were killed in the airstrike, he added.

SomaliaReport: Airstrike in Kismayo Kills 20 Militants

A suspected Kenyan airstrike hit the bases of al-Shabaab insurgents in the outskirts of the southern port of Kismayo. At least 20 al-Shabaab fighters were reported killed and an unknown number injured during the Friday evening attack, according to local residents. After the attack Al-shabaab militabs ordered the residents not to approach the scene of the attack, and stay at home.
"First we saw light and heard a big explosion. A few minutes later we saw Al-Shabaab military vehicles and 4x4s evacuating injured fighters," said a local resident.
"We think that both US drones and Kenyan military aircraft carried out that attack, because every day and night we hear the sound of airplanes. We cant sleep well nowadays for fear they will launch operations in our villages."

Askari Kanzu · Dec 24, 2011

Two Kenyan Shabaab suspects surrender
By Standard Reporter

Two individuals suspected to be linked to Al Shabaab have surrendered at Anti terror police offices. Police had earlier released photographs of the two; Sylvester Owino Opiyo and Hussein Nderitu Abbas and sought information on their whereabouts from the public.

On Saturday afternoon, upon surrender they were questioned before their lawyer Chacha Mwita. This comes as police reported that they were holding six people suspected of trying to unleash attacks on Kenyans during the busy holiday time. Four suspects were arrested in Nairobi while two were nabbed in Mombasa. Police are however, yet to release their names.
Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said in a statement on Saturday morning that Sylvester Owino Opiyo a.k.a. Musa Osodo originally from Siaya and Hussein Nderitu Abbas from Nyeri were required to report to the nearest police station for questioning.

"Kenya Police has cause to believe that the two individuals are believed to have vital information on Al Shabaab activities in Kenya," he said.
Both individuals have cases pending in courts havingbeen arrested in March 2011. Police are reported to be in a state of alert to stave off any possible attacks during the holiday season as Kenyans congregate in social places to celebrate.

Sylvester Owino Opiyo Aka Musa was born on 11.05.1985 and is originally from Ugenya North Location, Ukwala Division in Siaya District. His ID NO is 24196514 and had been arrested on 05/03/11.

Hussein Nderitu Abbas aka Mohamed ID. No 229208312 was born on 03/12/1978. He had been arrested on 08/03/11. He is originally from 1563-Mahiga Location, 156-Othaya Division in Nyeri District.

Kiraithe requested any person who may have information on their whereabouts to pass the same to the nearest police station or police officer.

The Standard

Hapo kazi ipo, kwa sababu hao magaidi wanaoshutumiwa sio wasomali bali "wazawa"

Askari Kanzu · Dec 25, 2011

Grenade attack hits northeastern Kenyan district-police
24 Dec 2011 19:24

NAIROBI, Dec 24 (Reuters) - A grenade blast hit a club frequented by civil servants and aid workers in Wajir district in north eastern Kenya near the Somali border on Saturday, police said, and Kenyan television reported seven people had been wounded.

"Ngamia club has been attacked and hit by a grenade. No death has been reported but people were injured. They have been taken to hospital," North Eastern police commander Leo Nyongesa told Reuters.

Earlier on Saturday, Kenyan media reported police had detained two Kenyans suspected of being affiliated to Somalia's al Shabaab militant group whom Kenyan forces have been battling in the anarchic Horn of Africa country.

Kenyan forces crossed into neighbouring Somalia to crush the al Qaeda-linked militants whom it blamed for a spate of kidnappings and cross-border attacks on its soil.

Somalia has denied responsibility for the killings and has threatened major retaliation against Kenya.

Two grenade blasts killed one person and wounded more than 20 in Nairobi in late October in attacks that were blamed on al Shabaab. A Kenyan man who pleaded guilty to one grenade attack and membership of al Shabaab was sentenced to life in prison.

Since then there have been a spate of low-level attacks on Kenyan security forces near the border.

(Reporting by Noor Ali; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Myra MacDonald)

Kabaridi · Dec 25, 2011

kshaka said:
while their apologists continue making noise on the internet, Al-Shabaab continue being pounded in South Somalia;

SomaliaReport: Airstrikes in Gedo Kill 10 Al-Shabaab

SomaliaReport: Airstrike in Kismayo Kills 20 Militants

I have no idea either why their apologists are so many. This alshabaab group, their days are numbered.

I

Kabaridi · Dec 25, 2011

Askari Kanzu said:
Ally Kombo, not really. But as someone conversing with these imperseverant Kenyans I have come to discover, ab initio, that in order to be inexpugnable and put them in situ, I am obliged to deploy vocal ballistics of altitonant character so as to elumbate and render them anandrious. These people still wallow in, (to quote Patrick Obahiagbon), cankerous tribalism, ethnocentric chauvinism , syphilitic parochialism and catalytic parapoism. To most of them, the command of English (that colonial language) is a litmus test, a sine qua non, of academic excellence. And that's why!

I can understand, your personal vendetta against Kenyans, as clearly depicted by your "whims" on this thread. Yeah, understandably you can lambast and you are allowed to exhibit xenophobia to Kenyans even while online. Well you have a right to be angry about Kenya's tribalism & ethnocentricism, blah blah............ (which I think affects you the least), but know that most people who make their contribution in this thread are not related, whatsoever to the politicians who commit and their mischief in governance. English is a "colonial" language we agree, but those who committed colonial crimes are long dead, and it is the chief language in the world.

Then I think your excuse should be to use Swahili, which is not a bad language, yet even in your Swahili usage, it has made you non-starters in your quest for economic freedom, literacy, and democracy, as you are still being ruled by "strenuous", "draconian", "monolithic" system of governance, yet you call yourself 'Taifa huru'. The choice of language believe me when I tell you this, cannot aid your hopes for a second political liberation for Tanzania. I have read specifically your "whims" here at JF, and they do not depict any depth required for debate, other than depicting an "odious" and "vile" picture of Kenyans. Next time, if you have to answer me post your facts.

Askari Kanzu · Dec 25, 2011

Mzalendo452 said:
...yet even in your Swahili usage, it has made you non-starters in your quest for economic freedom, literacy, and democracy, as you are still being ruled by "strenuous", "draconian", "monolithic" system of governance, yet you call yourself 'Taifa huru'...

Your woebegone and cacological jabberwock only serves to expose your hypophrenia. The expressions you use in your attempt to calumniate Tanzania as a dystopia are at best antiquated. In a contrary fashion however, I would like to wish you a Merry X-Mas!

Askari Kanzu · Dec 26, 2011

Bomb scare as Kenyans celebrate Christmas Mass

A worshipper is screened at the entrance of the Holy Family Basilica Nairobi December 25, 2011. The Christmas Mass was disrupted following a bomb scare. ANTHONY OMUYA

By PETER OBUYA
Posted Sunday, December 25 2011 at 13:52

The Christmas Mass at the Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi was temporarily disrupted after faithful raised alarm over the presence of a bomb.

Worshippers were preparing for the mid-morning sermon when police ordered everybody to evacuate the building.

Nairobi PPO Anthony Kibuchi, who led the security agents including those from the General Service Unit (GSU) and anti terror unit, said they received a tip off from one of the church members who said there was a suspicious man in the congregation.

We got information that a suspicious character was among the congregation and we could not take chances, Mr Kibuchi told reporters at the church compound Sunday.

He said officers conducted security checks in and around the church and found it safe.

We have done our checks and I can say that the place is safe for the church sermons to proceed."

Those who had been evacuated were later screened and allowed into the church.

The scare comes days after Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere had cautioned Kenyans to be alert and report any suspicious characters to the police amid fears of an impending attack over the festive period.

Somalia militia Al-Shabaab Kenyan sympathisers are said to have targeted churches, shopping malls and clubs among other places likely to be frequented by the public.

Sunday Nation

Nonda · Dec 26, 2011

[h=1]Grenades hit Kenya club, 7 wounded: police[/h]
Grenades hit Kenya club, 7 wounded: police | Top News | Reuters

Bagamoyo · Dec 26, 2011

26.12.2011
22:30Hrs
Operation Linda Nchi
Location: Kenya

SCOTLAND YARD JOINS OPERATION LINDA NCHI

British detectives are in Kenya to help track down militants and dismantle their terror network.

This follows the arrest last week in Mombasa of a Briton said to be the Al-Shabaab bomb expert.

Security sources said police want Scotland Yard to help them dig into his past and establish if he has links with Al-Qaeda and unmask the people he has been working with since he came into the country.

The Anti-Terrorist Police Unit raided the suspect's house and seized material and chemicals believed to be used in bomb-making. The officers also questioned his wife, a Kenyan of Somali origin.

Items seized included dynamite, detonators and timers that are easily available on the market and are used in mining and quarrying industries.

Police described the Briton as a technician with expertise in making explosives.

On Saturday, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe directed dealers in laboratory chemicals to vet their clients and report any suspicious characters.

He said such chemicals, readily available and widely used in school and college laboratories, could be bought by terrorists to make explosives.

The chemicals listed as dangerous include Sulphuric acid, sulphur-based compounds, urea and other ammonium-based compounds, lead nitrate and hydrogen peroxide.

Eight people arrested

Police have so far arrested eight people in Mombasa, Nairobi and Nakuru on suspicion that they planned to carry out attacks over the festive period.

The ATPU is also questioning Mr Sylvester Opiyo aka Musa Osodo and Mr Hussein Nderitu Abbas aka Mohammed.

They were arrested when they presented themselves to the police on Saturday, hours after Mr Kiraithe flagged them as wanted criminals. (READ: Anti- terror police detain Kenya Shabaab suspects)

"Police have cause to believe they have information, which can assist us in unravelling any intended criminal activities by the Al-Shabaab in the country," Mr Kiraithe said.

On the eight suspects, who are scheduled to be arraigned in court tomorrow, Mr Kiraithe said: "They are being interrogated on offences relating to preparation of illegal explosives. We believe that by Wednesday we shall produce them in court for the offence of attempting to make explosives."

READ MORE source : Scotland Yard joins hunt for terror cells - News |nation.co.ke

Nonda · Dec 27, 2011

bagamoyo said:
SCOTLAND YARD JOINS OPERATION LINDA NCHI

British detectives are in Kenya to help track down militants and dismantle their terror network.

This follows the arrest last week in Mombasa of a Briton said to be the Al-Shabaab bomb expert.

READ MORE source : Scotland Yard joins hunt for terror cells *- News*|nation.co.ke

Tembelea hii https://www.jamiiforums.com/international-forum/205221-britain-wants-to-intervene-in-somalia.html

Askari Kanzu · Dec 27, 2011

We're in Somalia for the long haul, Kenya asserts
Posted Monday, December 26 2011
By Fred Oluoch

Kenya is looking at a long-drawn war in Somalia in 2012 contrary to the earlier indications that it was going to be a swift operation.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesperson, Emmanuel Chirchir, admitted that the Somalia campaign is a long term investment and Kenya will only get out once the country becomes stable and joins other peaceful members of the region.

Mr Chirchir revealed that KDF will only get official permission to join the African Union Mission for Somalia (Amisom) in April or May, but by that time, Kenya shall have secured the towns of Afamadow, Kismayu and Baardheere in the central region.

The EastAfrican has gathered that the United Nations, under whose mandate Amisom is operating had earlier considered Garissa town as the base of operation for the Kenya troops once they join Amisom because of its infrastructure, like the airstrip.

Despite optimism by the KDF spokesperson that Kenya will secure areas west of Juba River in due course, analyst are contemplating a stalemate where Kenya could be forced to quit without decisive victory.

The East African

kshaka · Dec 28, 2011

Askari Kanzu said:
We're in Somalia for the long haul, Kenya asserts
Posted Monday, December 26 2011
By Fred Oluoch

Kenya is looking at a long-drawn war in Somalia in 2012 contrary to the earlier indications that it was going to be a swift operation.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesperson, Emmanuel Chirchir, admitted that the Somalia campaign is a long term investment and Kenya will only get out once the country becomes stable and joins other peaceful members of the region.

Mr Chirchir revealed that KDF will only get official permission to join the African Union Mission for Somalia (Amisom) in April or May, but by that time, Kenya shall have secured the towns of Afamadow, Kismayu and Baardheere in the central region.

The EastAfrican has gathered that the United Nations, under whose mandate Amisom is operating had earlier considered Garissa town as the base of operation for the Kenya troops once they join Amisom because of its infrastructure, like the airstrip.

Despite optimism by the KDF spokesperson that Kenya will secure areas west of Juba River in due course, analyst (?) are contemplating a stalemate where Kenya could be forced to quit without decisive victory.

The East African

One of the major indicators is that Kenya is now concentrating more on pacification before vanquishing the militants. There is also danger that the Somalia campaign will have a bearing on Kenya's internal political dynamics on who will take the political blame should the war turn into a stalemate. The careers of three Ministers; Prof George Saitoti of Internal Affairs, Yusuf Haji of Defence and Moses Wetangula of Foreign Affairs, are on the line.

However, Mr Chirchir insisted that there will be nothing like pulling out before a decisive victory. "The issue of pulling out prematurely is out of the question. We are in this business for the future of Somalia and so Kenya will only get out when Somalia regains the status of a normal nation," said Mr Chirchir.

However, the focus now shifts to Amisom, which has faced numerous challenges since its deployment in January 2007. Apart from insufficient troops and limited mandate, Amison has been lacking crucial war equipment to totally subdue Al Shabaab. Amisom spokesperson, Paddy Ankunda said that lack of choppers, marine assets, and combat and field engineers have been the main challenges facing Amisom. Kenya is expected to provide some of these missing items once the Force joins Amisom.

The East African

kshaka · Dec 28, 2011

SomaliaReport: Fighting Continues in Southern Somalia_

Heavy fighting between al-Shabaab and Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops and Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) took place in Burgabo village of Lower Juba region in southern Somalia on Tuesday night.
The fighting erupted when al-Shabaab militants launched a hit-and-run assault against government and allied bases in the village.
At least 10 al-Shabaab fighters were killed and an unknown number were wounded.
According to government officials in Burgabo, the militants attacked around 9:30pm (1830 GMT) on Tuesday night. The heavy fighting lasted about an hour, with both sides using mortars and battle wagons, a Burgabo resident told Somalia Report by telephone.
What I can confirm to you are the deaths of six fighters, because we saw their bodies in the corner of the village. Some of the residents fled but now we are calm, he added, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Mohamed Dahir Kofi, a TFG officer in Lower Juba, commented that TFG and KDF forces had killed 10 fighters during the assault.
If you come here the region you will see more, we are using bullets and fighting in open spaces, so what do you expect? he said.
He added that one TFG soldier was killed during the fighting.
No comments was available from al-Shabaab military spokesmen, but a pro-al-Shabaab radio station in Mogadishu reported that the Mujahideen had entered the village and killed many opposing fighters, including Kenyan forces.
KDF and TFG forces began an extensive security operation on Wednesday morning, detaining several residents. "TFG and Kenyan forces detained several residents this morning, accusing them of having a relationship with al-Shabaab, a resident in Burgabo told Somalia Report on the condition of anonymity.
Overnight clashes, guerrilla attacks and roadside bombs have become common al-Shabaab tactics after the insurgent group withdrew its forces from Mogadishu in August.
Airstrikes in Gedo
Suspected Kenyan warplanes struck an al-Shabaab base in Gedo region, leaving four militants dead and six injured. The strike took place late Tuesday afternoon in the rural area of Garbaharay, where al-Shabaab militants operate what is believed to be a training base.
We have being living here for years, I heard this base was established around 2010. It is located a remote area, and villagers are not allowed to go there. Only al-Shabaab members are allowed to visit, said Ali Said, a local resident.
He added it was late in the day when jet fighter aircraft flew over the village heading on their way to the base, after which residents heard the sound of 10 missiles being fired.
Residents fear that the strikes also will affect nomadic herders around the al-Shabaab base, as some animals were reportedly killed in the incident.
There has been no comment from al-Shabaab militants.
Tensions have been high in the towns of Garbahaaray and Eel-Wak, as TFG troops and their Kenyan allies prepare for a push against al-Shabaab militants, having already evicted them in some parts of Gedo region.
"TFG and Kenyan troops will launch the final phase of the war against al-Shabaab in Gedo and Lower Juba in the coming days, Ahmed Deeqa, a TFG military officer, told Somalia Report.

Kabaridi · Dec 29, 2011

Edward Teller said:
nashindwa kujua kwa nini kenya army wanashindwa kufanya mambo ili hii operation iwe fupi-sitaki kuamini alshabaab wana kuwa na stiff resistance kiasi hiki

Teller, nchi ya Somalia iko katika hali mahututi kama ya upsuaji hospitalini, kwa hivyo KDF inafanyashughuli mbili, kupigana na adui na pia kuweka amani.

Kibona · Dec 30, 2011

Mzalendo452 said:
Teller, nchi ya Somalia iko katika hali mahututi kama ya upsuaji hospitalini, kwa hivyo KDF inafanyashughuli mbili, kupigana na adui na pia kuweka amani.

Hamuwezi kujenga amani kabla hamjaisambaratisha alshabab, Isambaratisheni alshabab haraka halafu ndo mjenge amani.

Bagamoyo · Dec 31, 2011

By
Peter Leftie

30.12.2011
Nairobi, Kenya
OPERATION LINDA NCHI
Location: Tabda area of Beles Qooqani, Somalia

AL- SHABAAB'S REPORT OF ELEVEN KDF SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION IS DENIED BY KENYA MILITARY SPOKESMAN

There were conflicting reports over the number of deaths following heavy fighting between Kenyan troops and Al Shabaab militants on Thursday night.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) maintained that only one of their soldier had died following the fighting but Al Shabaab claimed they had killed eleven Kenyan troops and damaged three armoured personnel carriers belonging to KDF during the fighting in the Somali town of Beles Qooqani.

"On 29 Dec 2011 at 1900hrs, in Tabda area of Beles Qooqani, KDF soldiers raided an Al Shabaab position killing five Al Shabaab and many suspected wounded,' read a statement released by the Kenya Military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir on Friday.

"Following the raid one of our soldiers got critically injured and succumbed to his injuries. Four are receiving medical attention on the ground," Major Chirchir added.

Read More Source : Kenya denies al-Shabaab report of soldiers killed in raid - News |nation.co.ke

Kenya declares war on Al Shabaab!

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