The Somali army has announced the killing of 22 members of Al Shabaab militant group last night during a special forces operation in the Bur Elli area of Burhakaba district in the Bay region of southwestern Somalia.
The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) quoted the Somali Ministry of Defense as saying that the operation targeted a group of Al Shabaab militants who were preparing to carry out suicide attacks and car bombings.
The ministry added that the operation also resulted in the destruction of all explosives and vehicles that were intended for attacks against civilians and security targets.
The Somali security forces have managed in recent months to recapture several areas in central and southern Somalia from Al Shabaab militants, against whom the country has been fighting for more than a decade.