Kenyan security forces have killed 10 suspected al Shabaab militants and arrested 36 others in nine months since launching an operation against the insurgents on the coast, Sky News TV quoted the head of the operation as saying on Friday.

James Ole Serian, the head of the joint army and police operation, said troops had swept the forest and destroyed hideouts used by the militants, who say they target Kenya for sending troops into Somalia with an African force fighting al Shabaab there.

"We are having a permanent base set up within the forest that will be used by both our military and police to ensure continuous security," he said, adding that "around 10" suspected militants who refused to surrender had been killed.

In addition, he said at least 36 had been detained.

Source : MENA