Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Kenyan military spokesman says the push by Kenyan ground forces hunting down al-Qaida-linked militants in Somalia has been slowed by heavy rain.
Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir said Tuesday that the Kenyan forces were at the Somali town of Qoqani, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the Kenyan border. He said the Kenyan troops are coordinating with Somali government forces in the nearby town of Afmadow.
Residents of Afmadow on Monday reported that al-Shabab fighters were leaving as the troops approached. Chirchir declined to say what the Kenyan troops were targeting.
Kenya says the push into Somalia is retaliation for the kidnappings of four Europeans — two aid workers and two tourists — from Kenya.
Al-Shabab has vowed to strike back inside Kenya.