The Mi-35 gunship is one of the attack helicopters owned by the Kenyan military
Kenya is to unleash its full military might on Al Shabaab in coming days as President Kibaki on Monday gave a firm thumbs-up to the ongoing operation reiterating that there would be no turning back.
Kibaki, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), made the remarks during a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at his Harambee House office in Nairobi.
The NSC meeting came against the background of stepped-up security operations in Garissa town led by the police and KDF.
At least 20 people were detained for questioning following an attack on the East African Pentecostal Church by suspected Al Shabaab sympathisers that left two people dead, including an eight year-old boy.
Eight men were arrested from a hotel in the town during the operation that insiders said was to thwart further attacks in the area.
Three other suspects, who police believe may have been suicide bombers, escaped in the operation.
Police said they had intelligence that the men, some of whom are employees, were planning to blow up buildings in the area before they were arrested in the operation.
Other reports indicated that police had seized two grenades from a bus headed to Nairobi at a roadblock on the Tana River Bridge, Garissa highway.
Military personnel launched a house-to-house search for more explosives near their camp, but there were no details by the time we went to press.
Police said they were questioning a number of suspects in connection with the attack on the Pentecostal church.
More anti-terror, General Service Unit (GSU), regular and military personnel have been sent to major towns in the province that seems to be under siege of the criminals, who could be Kenyans.
In Garissa, an explosive that failed to detonate was collected from under a power transformer after people in a saloon car dropped it.
Sources at the NSC meeting said it resolved to intensify security surveillance and physical checks by security forces in vulnerable areas, including the border with Somalia.
Details were scanty but officials said those present were informed of the presence of Al Shabaab remnants or sympathisers.
Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere is said to have briefed the meeting on the attacks that have occurred since the military ventured into Somalia mid last month.
Kenya’s military is the most superior in terms of assets and resources in the East and Central African region, and has the most disciplined Army, Air Force and Navy.
The operation against the Al Qaeda-linked militants comes at the peak of the modernisation of the full range of weaponry available to KDF.
The Ministry of Defence believes that its move to replace ageing equipment —including fighter jets and helicopters as well as to buy armoured personnel carriers, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles and anti-mine equipment — is about to pay off when the KDF finally moves to capture Afmadow, Kismayu and Baidoa. The three towns form the nerve centre of Al Shabaab’s insurgency.
Among Kenya’s array of weapons are several attack helicopters, including the MD 500 Mi-35 and Harbin z-9w gunship from China. The latter is a big war craft with powerful guns, including anti-tank missiles used for ground attack and air assault, although it can ferry cargo and up to 10 soldiers when fully armed.
Against this beast, the Al Shabaab’s truck-mounted anti-aircraft guns called technicals and donkeys are no match, especially when it gets support from the versatile but much smaller MD 500 attack helicopter from the US.
Puma helicopters will be rearming troops on the field and bringing in cargo and extra soldiers when needed. Although quite old, it is still fast enough and can fly at night as well as during daytime.
In addition, the KDF has deployed its upgraded and superfast F-5 Tiger attack jets that combine speed and precision bombing and also sport modern radar and anti-aircraft fire detection and evasion systems.
Battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and MRAPs, or Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, will back the attack helicopters. The KDF can also deploy missile launchers for its variety of long-range surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
Among the battle tanks is the reliable MK3 tanks sporting 105mm guns and an intimidating size.
In readiness for the muddy conditions that have hit the Jubaland region, KDF also have ARV recovery tanks equipped with hydraulic-operated mechanism for rescuing vehicles stuck in mud, or that have broken down.
The military will be moving around in Panhard armoured car and personnel vehicles. Made in France, the Panhard is a fortress on wheels made for rugged terrains. Its thick, protective body gives soldiers inside the feeling of invincibility, and it is preferred for its speed and agility. It can reach speeds of up to 90km per hour.
The Panhard M3 has more space to carry troops. Scores of these have been deployed across the border. A single soldier can mount several kinds of guns on the hull for operation.
Al Shabaab have been deploying mines that kill indiscriminately, but the KDF has a solution in the shape of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to glide over the scrublands of Jubaland. Bought from South Africa, the vehicles are specially reinforced to survive small explosions, ensuring that soldiers are protected.
The soldiers will have the choice of the much-feared American M16 assault rifles that can accommodate silencers and a powerful scope allowing them to silently take out Al Shabaab sentries.
In his daily briefing on Monday, Military Spokesperson Major Emmanuel Chirchir advised the Press to be alert to Al Shabaab propaganda being fed to certain media, including Press TV.
“Attention of the Ministry of State for Defence has been drawn to the influx of propaganda and false information in regards to the on-going operation in Somalia. The continued false reporting by Press TV and other like minded media is un-acceptable and should not be taken as factual information and events,” said Major Chirchir.
“The Kenya Defence Forces continues to caution the media to be vigilant and wary of being used to propagate propaganda set up by Al Shabaab or their sympathisers by relaying such information to the general public before thorough examination and consultation with our Public Affairs Office,” he added.
Source: THE EAST AFRICAN STANDARD
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