42 Shabaab killed as AU seizes town

• Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir said several others escaped with injuries after they attacked Algibah near the port city of Kismayu.
• On Tuesday, Amisom edged closer to seizing Kismayu after the capture of Marka, the third largest port in southern Somalia.
• The forces pushed the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab out of the town, which has been one of militants’ key havens since 2008.

African Union troops in Somalia have killed 42 Al-Shabaab militias and injured scores of others.

Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir said several others escaped with injuries after they attacked Algibah near the port city of Kismayu.

Major Chirchir said four Al-Shabaab technical vehicles, one water bowser, one lorry and supplies were also destroyed in the process.

Clan resists

He said Al-Shabaab had called on women in Kismayu to provide their fighters with food and water as they battle Amisom troops but some women refused.

“As Amisom troops surround Kismayu, Marehan clans vowed to resist and fight alongside Al-Shabaab but the rest of the clans have welcomed the troops to free the area of the militia,” Mjr Chirchir said.

On Tuesday, Amisom edged closer to seizing Kismayu after the capture of Marka, the third largest port in southern Somalia. (READ: AU troops capture Shabaab stronghold)

The forces pushed the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab out of the town, which has been one of militants’ key havens since 2008.