MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali military had destroyed several training bases belonging to al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia for the last two weeks, the military confirmed Thursday.

According to military officials who spoke to the state owned media, number of security operations against al-Shabaab in Jubbaland, Southwest and Hirshabelle states has managed liberate villages.

During the operations the military reportedly killed more 34 terrorists and recovered weapons including ak47 rifles and ammunition.

The claims by the military comes amid al-Shabaab had intensified its attacks in central Somalia.

In less than a week, the militants had attacked two towns in Galgadud region after the government forces withdrew the areas for unknown reasons.

Last Monday, heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters  briefly took control of Mataban town without fight.

 Al-Shabaab fighters took over critical installations, including the administrative headquarters and district police station before exploding the government institutions.

Al-Shabaab’s capture of Mataban comes as they took control of the villages of Bergidiid, Jirale, Bacda.

On Wednesday, the militants captured the town of Eldheere, 30 km (18 miles) south of Galmudug’s capital Dhusamareb. 

Al Shabaab fighters bombed the police station before taking over the town.