Somali rebels arm Kismayu locals against Kenyan assault

Somali rebels arm Kismayu locals against Kenyan assault

Somali Islamist militants mounted weapons on roofs, dug trenches and armed students in the port of Kismayu, warning that the "Kenyan invasion" would lead to "cataclysmic consequences".
Kenya's army has warned Somali civilians to stay away from al Shabaab militant bases in 10 towns to avoid being hurt in imminent strikes.

Nearly three weeks into a cross-border operation, Kenyan and Somalian government troops have been bogged down by heavy rains and thick mud.
"They have put their weapons over us. Every high house in the city is a defence for al Shabaab;  since Kenya mentioned the 10 towns, al Shabaab have been readying all their weapons and small arms", said Fatuma Ali, who lives next to the rebel base in Kismayu.

 Arms supply

Residents say Al Shabaab militants are supplying the populace with arms.

"They gave arms to people and they're telling them to stay and defend the country from foreigners,………..They said yesterday evening: 'Every one of you who dies here is a mujahid and will enter paradise’ ", he added.

Many Somalis were trying to flee towns, only to be stopped by militants who want them to stay and fight.

"They've refused to let us out, and we don't have any money to leave. Some people are trying to flee but the heavy rain is not giving them a chance", said Ali.

Mixing with the populace

In other towns, residents said the rebels had quit their bases and were mixing with the population, making them more difficult to pinpoint as targets.
"Al Shabaab fighters are all over the town but they're no longer seen in groups. We see only four to five men in bases that were formerly crowded", Halima Aden told reporters.

On Wednesday residents in the strategic town of Afmadow said al Shabaab had also ordered them to stay at home.

Conflict

Angered by a wave of kidnappings and attacks on its soil, Kenya has been dragged into the conflict in neighbouring Somalia, which has had no effective government for two decades.

Al Shabaab has denied responsibility for the kidnappings, saying Nairobi is using them as a pretext for its operation.

Kenya issued its warning of imminent attacks after it said it had received intelligence that consignments of weapons had reached al Qaeda-linked militants in the town of Baidoa.

Kenya's army spokesman said on Thursday any aircraft landing in the rebel bastion would be considered a threat.
"All aircraft are hereby warned not to land in Baidoa. Anyone violating this will be doing so at their peril", Emmanuel Chirchir said in a statement.

Kenya's navy intercepted a rebel skiff transporting fuel on Wednesday and killed 18 al Shabaab combatants, he said.

Reuters/Ehimen/Ekata