Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somalia National Army, with support from international partners, killed 20 Al-Shabaab militants following a joint ground and air operations conducted at Towfiiq area bout 10 KM to Kuntunwaaray district in lower Shabelle region on Saturday.

The Federal Minister of Interior, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed the operations and reported that the National Army together with the International partners killed 20 Al-Shabaab fighters in the operation.

He also stated that the joint forces destroyed the militants’ base and seized their weapons during the operation.

“The Somali National Army Forces with our international partners conducted a joint ground and air Offensive Operation against Al-Shabaab at Towfiiq area near Kuntunwaray. The joint forces killed 20 militants, destroyed their base, and seized weapons,” Minister Fiqi said.

However, Al-Shabaab militants commented about the operation and claimed that the mortar attacks hit a school and destroyed 2 classrooms.

In a separate attack, the joint forces launched an attack on Al-Shabaab base at Dumaye location near Harardhere town in Mudug, and inflicted heavy casualties on the militants.

Government officials said that the forces destroyed the base, caused casualties and injuries to Al-Shabaab fighters although the exact number is yet to be clarified.

Al-Shabaab militants group has refuted the government claims and reported that the militants attacked a Prison cell, killed 4 of the prisoners and injured 3 others.

These attacks comes barely a week after deadliest attack on SNA forces at Cowsweyne bases in Galgudud region by Al-Shabaab which created criticism and anger from the public while some people were calling for the president to take an action against the Minister of Defense and Army chiefs who were accused of being behind the military failure.

Since the attack on Cowsweyne base, leaders from the federal government and states Administrations have been actively mobilising and inspiring the national Army and the local community forces.