Kenya’s security inter-agencies on Friday September 11 officially launched ‘Operation Linda Boni Forest’ to comb out al-Shabaab militants believed to have set up base in the woods.
Although Kenya police and defence force officers were reported to have penetrated into the forest on Friday September 4, it has taken a week for Joseph Nkaissery, Interior minister, under whom the operation falls to officially declare it.
The official launch took place in Mpeketoni, Lamu county.
It is believed that the islamic militants have a permanent base inside Boni forest where they train and bring up their children.
The forest covers 1,339 square kilometres (almost double the size of Nairobi city) with recent reports indicating that 300 al-Shabaab militants live there with wives and children.
On Thursday September 3, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet declared the forest a danger zone and asked residents in the surrounding areas to move out until the operation is over.
Those in possession of firearms and other weapons have also been asked to surrender them to authorities.
“The general public should note that this notice shall remain in force for a period of 90 days and is subject to extension,” the notice said.
Residents of surrounding Holugho border point, Galmagala, Sangailu, Ijara, Masalani, Bodhei, Milimani, Basuba, Kiunga, Maralani, Baurre and Ishakani are likely to be affected by the directive, she reports.
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