Al Shabaab Takes Responsibility for Sunday Attack on Kenyan Soldiers, Says 15 Killed

Somalia-based terror organization, Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for Sunday attack on Kenyan soldiers that left nine dead, while two others sustained serious injuries.

United States extremism monitor, SITE said the terror group said the attack killed 15 Kenya Defense Forces soldiers. The group also made the claims in a statement shared through its media affiliate Radio Andalus.

The nine died after a vehicle they were travelling in ran over an improvised explosive device (IED), causing a massive explosion near the Somali town of Dhobley.

The army men were in a convoy headed to their camp on the outskirts of Dhobley, Lower Jubba region, from Dadaab military base in northern Kenya.

On Monday, President Kenyatta mourned the victims and termed the attack as an act of cowardice.

"Earlier today, I was appalled and saddened to learn that we had lost nine young patriots to a cowardly terrorist attack in Somalia," he said in a statement. 

"These men gave their lives for their country, and for peace; we must, and we will, honour their service, their sacrifice and their valour."

He added: “The mission for which they gave everything  will continue until the evil terrorists of Al Shabaab are defeated, and the people of Somalia are safe once more. We owe victory to the fallen. You may be sure we will win, for we have right and might on our side."