MOGADISHU (SD) – Five al-Shabaab bases and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) have been destroyed following separate military operation against al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia.

Two separate security operations in Lower Shabelle and Jubba region, Somali forces killed more 17 al-Shabaab militants.

In a statement on Monday, Somali military said Somali Special Forces had killed seven Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed a car packed with explosives in Lower Shabelle region.

According to the statement, the special forces carried out the operation in Toratorow town, about 100 km southwest of Mogadishu.

During the operation, the commandos also set fire to an al-Shabaab detention center in Toratorow.

Elsewhere, Jubbaland forces backed by Somali military killed 10 al-Shabaab fighters killed and wounded several others following fierce fighting in Lower Jubba region.

During the clashes which took place late last week in Berhani, Dharkay, Yaq-anole and Sariraha villages, the forces also destroyed the group’s bases.

The forces detonated six landmines, which were planted along the road by al-Shabaab.

The government forces have intensified security operations against the terrorist groups as the country kicked off national elections across the country.