MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali military has killed 15 al-Shabaab militants and injured more than 20 others in Middle Shabeelle region, official confirmed Friday.

In a statement, SNA chief Odowaa Yusuf Rageh said SNA forces launched operations against al-Shabaab militants in several villages.

The operations took place in Gallabashiir and Wardhagax villages.

According to Rageh, the forces have destroyed al-Shabab bases and recover some weapons.

“More than fifteen militants were killed in the operations. Bases of the militants. We have recovered weapons,” the SNA boss said.

Rageh said the troops who have intensified military operations in the Middle Shabelle region since last week opened fire on al-Shabab’s weapons and ammunition base, inflicting heavy losses on the extremist group.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting Somali forces and African Union mission in Somalia (Amisom) for the past decade.

The group which is an al-Qaeda affiliate terror organization had many battles with the allied forces in south and central Somalia in recent years.

In 2011, al-Shabaab which was then controlling much of the south and central Somalia lost the capital following days long fighting with SNA backed by Amisom.

Al-Shabaab conducts deadly raids on military bases on the outskirt of Mogadishu.

The group also carries out deadly bomb attacks in major town with latest happened last night in Somali capital.

IED fitted to a car had last night exploded in KM4. The casualties of the attack are yet unknown.