This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, Kenyan soldiers under the African Union Mission to Somalia successfully quelled a planned attack by Al Shabaab militants on a Somalia National Army camp in Bilis Qooqani, a town in the Afmadow district of the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia.
According to Colonel Zipporah Kioko, Kenya Defence Forces Spokesperson, 20 militants launched a surprise attack on the camp from three directions.
The ensuing battle resulted in the deaths of five militants, with five AK47 rifles recovered from the scene.
Colonel Kioko stated, "KDF will continue to work closely with SSF in support of operations to restore peace and reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Additionally, KDF will continue to build the capacity of SSF as well as assist them in stabilization, reconciliation and peace building in Somalia."
The Kenya Defence Forces have a significant presence in the region, with forward operating bases in 10 towns, including Bilis Qooqani.
