‘No-fire’ zones set up to shield civilians in Kismayu

Kenyan troops have imposed no-combat zones around markets, schools, hospitals and mosques in Kismayu as they moved to consolidate their hold on the lucrative port.

A statement from the African Mission in Somalia (Amisom) said that the move was aimed at ensuring the civilian population was not caught up in the exchanges between the Kenya Defence Forces and remnants of Al-Shabaab believed to be hiding in parts of the town and planning reprisal attacks.

“As we move into the southern parts of Kismayu, we are taking every precaution necessary to minimise the impact of our operations on the civilian populace. We have established No-Fire Zones around markets, schools, mosques and hospitals,” said Amisom Sector 2 Commander, Brig Anthony Ngere.

Taking control

He asked Al-Shabaab fighters remaining in the city to lay down their arms or risk the full force of the KDF and their allies from the Somalia National Army fighting under Amisom.

Brig Ngere noted that KDF was rapidly taking control of the city four days after advance troops conducted an amphibious landing on the port city’s beaches. (READ: Kenyan forces hit Al-Shabaab base)

He said that KDF had so far secured parts of the city, including the road leading to Mogadishu, Kismayu University and the old airport.

“The main force is approaching the city from the North West. Over the last one month, the joint forces have secured a string of towns and centres on the road between Afmadow and Kismayu including Miido, Bibi and Jana Cabdalla,” Brig Ngere said.

He added: “The capture of Canjeel has opened the way for more of our forces to advance towards Kismayu in support of our operations there.”