Kenya's Defence Spokesman Bogita Ongeri said he could not confirm the latest developments along the common border point.
"I do not have any specific information about this development, but we shall share with you any information once we get it," Ongeri told PANA by telephone. He said he could not predict what would happen if the militants cross into the Kenyan side of the border.
The Shabab has been issuing threats to the Kenyan government to cut down on its military activity on the Kenyan side of the common border.
Kenya has declined US requests to lead an international military intervention inside Somalia, saying only the African Union should be mandated to undertake such an operation.
Somalia's militants which have been jostling for control of Dhobley, one of the key routes used for smuggling counterfeit goods that enter Somalia's unmanned territorial waters, into Kenya, and a key operation base for humanitarian aid workers.
Local town residents said the Al Shabab took control of Dhobley after its bitterrivals, Hizbul Islam, which was formed by a group of renegades previously backing current Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, fled the town.
But residents continued to flee, fearing fighting could resume if the Hizbul Islam launch revenge attacks.
Somalia's militia groups have been engaged in a fight for the control of key economic zones, often keeping the government at bay.
The latest battle for Dhobley follows a similar protracted battle for the Southern port city of Kismayu, the rich port town that is a key revenue source for the militia groups.
Nairobi - Pana 29/11/2009
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|