Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Tuesday that Kenyan forces are preparing for a “final onslaught” on the Somali port town of Kismayo by August, when the U.N. mandate of Somalia’s transitional government expires. Kismayo is controlled by Al-Shabaab militants who get funds by levying “taxes” on the port.

Kenyan forces moved into Somalia in October and have been moving toward Kismayo.

Odinga said Kenya has asked the U.S. for financial assistance in the operation. He said the U.S. previously “resisted” providing funds until Kenyan forces joined the African Union force known as AMISOM. That happened earlier this month.

Source: Associated Press.