Commander Operation Amani Boni (OAB) Brigadier General Meshack Kishoyian visited to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed at Ras Kiamboni region in Badhaadhere District, Lower Juba, Somalia.
The visit aimed at evaluating operational readiness, troop welfare and the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination forms part of ongoing efforts to sustain momentum in counterterrorism operations along the Kenya–Somalia border and Boni enclave.
During his address to the troops, Brig Gen Kishoyian commended them for their resilience, discipline and professionalism in executing their mandate under demanding and often austere conditions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining heightened vigilance, strong situational awareness and seamless coordination with partner security agencies operating within the region.
OAB commander further noted that sustained operations by Kenya Defence Forces(KDF), in collaboration with allied forces have dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab networks by degrading their operational capabilities, disrupting their supply chains and denying them freedom of movement along critical routes near the Kenya–Somalia border. He underscored that these gains must be safeguarded through continuous pressure on the militants supported by intelligence-led operations and timely, accurate information sharing among all stakeholders.
He further highlighted the evolving nature of the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, calling on troops to remain adaptive, proactive and mission-focused. He reiterated that operational success depends not only on tactical effectiveness but also on unity of effort among all security actors involved in the campaign.
As part of his visit, the Commander also held separate engagements with local administration officials, project contractors, security stakeholders including representatives from the Jubaland security forces. In their discussions, he called for enhanced collaboration and coordination in ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab, stressing that strong partnerships are critical in addressing cross-border threats and maintaining long-term stability in the region.
On his part, Ras Kiamboni Mayor Lukeman Abdi welcomed the Commander’s visit and commended Kenya Defence Forces for its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability, noting the positive impact of their operations on the daily lives of local communities.
Similarly, Mohammed Abdikarim, the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) in Ras Kiamboni under the Jubaland Security Forces, praised the strong partnership between KDF and local security agencies. He highlighted the success of joint operations against Al-Shabaab and expressed appreciation for KDF’s humanitarian initiatives, including medical outreach programmes that have significantly benefited local communities.
The visit underscores Kenya Defence Forces’s continued dedication to strengthening operational effectiveness, fostering regional partnerships and supporting both security and humanitarian efforts in the ongoing mission to secure lasting peace in Somalia and along the Kenya–Somalia border and Boni enclave.
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