Somali forces, in coordination with international partners, carried out a military operation in the Biya Cadde area of the Middle Shabelle region, resulting in the killing of 44 Al-Shabaab fighters, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Information.

The operation, which took place on March 2, reportedly targeted key members of Al-Shabaab. Somali government sources confirmed that the security forces also destroyed three combat vehicles used by the militant group.

Security officials stated that the airstrikes and coordinated attacks are part of the government’s efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity. The Federal Government of Somalia has recently intensified its offensive against the group, working closely with international allies and local militia forces.

As of now, it remains unclear whether there were any casualties among government forces or civilians in the Biya Cadde area.

This operation comes shortly after the United States also announced it had conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in Ceel Baraf.

The ongoing conflict between Somali government forces, their international allies, and local militias against Al-Shabaab has been escalating across the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions.