Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday said that Somali National Army backed by the local forces and International Partners killed 130 Al-Shabaab militants during operations in areas under Jubaland, Hirshabelle and Galmudug States.

The Ministry said in a statement that the army recovered weapons and several locations including Masagaway and Ceel-dheer towns in Galgudud region during the operation this week.

Al-Shabaab did not comment on the latest military claims by the Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, but the group said yesterday that its fighters recaptured Runnir-god districts and other areas including Daru-Nicma from the SNA and local forces.

The statement also comes the Somali and U.S forces confirmed the killing of a senior Al-Shabaab leader, Maalin Ayman in middle Jubba region on 17th December. This also comes as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia handed over Qorilow base in middle Shabelle region to SNA on December 20, 2023.