15 al-Shabaab Militants Killed in Joint Somali Operation

The Somali Defense Ministry on Sunday said it killed 15 al-Shabaab militants during a targeted airstrike in the south of the country.

According to a statement from the ministry, the airstrike was carried out in coordination with international partners and targeted militants planting improvised explosive devices along a key road in the Middle Shabelle region.

The operation resulted in the destruction of a vehicle and weapons allegedly intended for use in attacks against civilians.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated group has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, government officials, and civilians.

Since July last year, the Somali National Army, with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and other international partners, has intensified operations against al-Shabaab.