"Hundreds of Kenyan troops spotted in Afmadow and already digging trenches". This means they are taking a defensive posture (securing 100Km buffer zone).
- Fact, Kenyan troops have been in Somalia since April and assisted TFG in repelling Al-shabab from areas around Mandera, Bula Hawa and Diffu.
- I do not expect Kenyan troops to proceed all the way to Kismayu, dont think Kibaki can afford all out war.
- Alot of intelligence went into preparation for this mission, i believe French troops from Djibouti are hovering around Haradhere while Spanish Navy/EU brigade is just off Kismayu to collect any "Mujahideens" attempting to flee to Yemen. TFG forces are providing ground intelligence and support around Mogadishu.
- As usual US will not risk its forces and are only offering satellite info and minimal logistical support.

If you would ask my honest opinion...Alshabab has no chance.

it seems like al shabaab has succeeded in scaring the shit out of most of kenyans.well I think this should be a wake up call for us.we have taken security for granted for so long.we leave security issues to an underfunded,low morale police force and private security guards(papa shirandula et co).Now we have been threatened directly.let us consider security to be an individual responsibility.let us put pressure on the government to fund and train our security forces better.And finally let us obey the law.

On the bright side, this is likely to unite Kenyans. We're so used to fighting each other on the basis of tribe. Now we're supporting our men and women in the military regardless of where they're from

When your economy is in trouble, you got to war!

I still support our troops!

Unconfirmed reports indicate Kenyan Soldiers have killed 75 Militants in a confrontation with AlShabaab.