al-Shabaab militants on parade

Kenyan soldiers killed 31 militants from the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab during a raid on two of its command and logistics bases in southern Somalia, the Kenyan Defence Ministry said on Monday.

The intelligence-led operation was executed by air and ground assets supported by attack helicopters and artillery in Jubaland region on Sunday.

Kenyan troops seized vehicles, rifles, ammunition and explosives.

Kenyan troops form part of a 22,000-strong African Union contingent helping Somalia battle al-Shabaab.

Kenya has suffered serious attacks from the radical Islamists in Somalia.

In January, Kenya admitted to losing nine soldiers while al-Shabaab claimed to have killed about 60 Kenyan troops.

Another attack a year earlier may have killed up to 180 Kenyan soldiers, according to the Somali government.

Nairobi has not released a death toll for the attack.

(Reuters/NAN)