Kenya plans to launch a military offensive against Al Shabaab militants who have set up bases in remote forests in the northern part of its Indian Ocean coastline bordering Somalia, a police official said on Monday.
He said that the Islamist group had in the past carried out attacks along the country’s northern coast before retreating to hideouts in Boni Forest, a 160 kilometre reserve well known for harbouring elephants.
Al Shabaab has lost territory in Somalia, their coutry of origin, following offensive operations by African Union troops.
The militia have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in the country, saying they were meant to pressure the Kenyan government to pull out their troops from the mission in Somalia.
Most notably, Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall attack that killed 67 people. The militia has also owned a series of attacks in Lamu county that have killed about 100 people.
Police and military officials say that Al Shabaab have permanent bases deep in Boni forest where they even afford to live with their families and hunt game for food. They use water from rivers flowing through the reserve.
Last week, Joseph Boinett, Kenya’s Inspector General declared the forest a dangerous area, meaning that secutity forces can use that as legal backing to carry out operations.
Reports indicate that troops are already assembling there.
Police have beefed up security in Lamu, a popular destination for tourists.
