An Northrop F-5 Jet owned by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) crashed 50 kilometers north of the strategic port of Kismayu in Somalia, intelligence sources confirm.
Kenya military verified that a jet crashed inside Somalia as it returned from an operation and the pilot safely ejected.
The fighter aircraft developed avionics problems and the pilot radioed base about the technicality and was advised to eject and abort.
A search and rescue mission has been underway though the department of defense has not given more information about the aircraft crash.
Intelligence officials are aware of possible propaganda spreading online by Al-Shabaab media claiming responsibility. We knew they could try this, we are used to their propaganda. They are trying anything that can give them mileage or sympathy. We urge people to ignore their propaganda, Kenyan security officials warned.
Al-Shabaab media outlets had already started spreading word that the terrorists shot down the aircraft.
Defense Intelligence sources in East Africa have refuted claims that Al-Shabaab have any capability to bring down fighter aircrafts.
They do not have anti-aircraft guns or missiles such as surface to air missiles (SAM).
Al-Shabaab thrives on propaganda, defense intelligence officials say, citing various incidents which Al-Shabaab have used to try and win support.
“It is the same militants who claimed to have downed an American drone, yet the aerial vehicle crashed due to technical problems’
Kenya has never lost a fighter jet in Somalia since it started operations targeting bases and positions held by the Somali terror militants.
Mr. Goldman, we are yet to see the images of the Mandera bus attack terrorists claimed to have been killed by the Kenyan forces.