KISMAYO (SD) – Heavy al-Shabaab militants have seized a vicinity on the outskirts of Kismayo town, the latests attacks the militants carried out to extend their administrative areas in the horn of African nation.

According to multiple sources, the terror group captured Yaq-Rar area which is not far from Kismayo Airport. Jubbaland forces have reportedly vacated the areas hours before the militants stormed the area.

The militant group also confirmed the capture through a  statement posted on the group’s affiliate media.

Jubbaland authorities have not yet commented on the claims by the militants.

The development comes on the heel of covert security operations by Somalia’s elite targeting the militants in southern Somalia.

At least six al-Shabaab fighters were killed and several others wounded in the Sunday security operations in Lower Jubba region.

The security operations took place in Mayondo, Dhay, Abdi-Marodi and Kubow in Lower Jubba region.

During the operations, the forces destroyed bases belonging to al-Shabaab fighters.