BOSASO (SD) – Puntland state has claimed to have killed dozens of militants in operations to drive al-shabaab and IS militants out of Bari region in northeastern of Somalia.

Speaking to the media, Puntland Security Minister, Abdisamad Galan said hundreds of soldiers mobilized in the region had successfully managed to kick the terrorists out of several villages in the region.

The operations dubbed Nadiifinta Aagga Bosaso – NAB (Operation combing Bosaso Area) have captured key Al-Shabab and ISIS held bases that were central to their operations in Puntland state.

Among those killed in the operations against al-Shabaab and IS are foreign fighters, according to the minister.

“During the operation, Puntland forces eliminated foreigners and Somali nationals who were leading the heinous operations of Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Puntland. The areas are now under the control of Puntland forces,” the minister said.

The forces also recovered supplies and military arsenal as well as medical kits.

The remarks of the minister come hours after Somali military in central Somalia claimed to have recaptured the strategic town, Ba’adweyne from Al-Shabaab.

Ba’adweyne town in Galmudug state changed hands in recent weeks.

On Saturday, the military also killed a senior al-Shabaab commander in Middle Shabelle region.

In a statement, SNA said Nuh Dhagool, who was leading the operation to extort the local populace to fund the group’s activities in town, was killed Friday night.

“The terrorist was the head of extortion in the coastal area,” the military said in a brief statement.