Nairobi, Kenya - Kenyan fighter jets have dropped bombs on Al Shabaab positions in the town of Garbahare, killing 50 Al Shabaab combatants and wounding 60 others in one of the most intense military encounters in Southern Somalia since the launch of the military offensive by Kenya. Military Spokesman Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir said Friday the damage assessment revealed that 10 technical vehicles belonging the militia were burnt down during the military encounter.

“There were no casualties on the Kenyan Defence Forces or the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops. All are in good spirit and focused on the mission,” Chirchir said on Friday after the military encounter.

He said the KDF jets pounded Al Shabaab camps South of the town of Garbahare.

The military official said more details would be released on the ongoing offensive against the Al Shabaab positions as the troops advance on the key strongholds of Afmadow and Kismayu, where the toughest battles are expected.

In Ras Kamboni, one of the towns pacified by the Kenyan troops after the Al Shabaab fled, local TFG officials proudly took journalists on a tour of former Al Shabaab cells.

“We will not arrest anybody on flimsy charges. But those with serious cases must face the trial at this court,” a local TFG intelligence officer was quoted saying.

Pana 07/01/2012