Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Somali National Army backed by international partners, killed 20 Al-Shabaab fighters in joint operations in the Shabeellow area on Sunday night, located in the southern part of the Mudug region.

In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Information said that the primary target was to disrupt vehicles distributing essential food items, weaponry, and support to Al-Shabaab militants in the area.

“The Somali National Army, in collaboration with international partners, conducted a successful joint operation in the Shabeellow area of southern Mudug region. The operation targeted Al-Shabaab militants hiding in the region’s forested areas,” the statement reads.

The statement added that the joint forces completely destroyed the vehicles, engaged in a fierce battle with the terrorists, and killed 20 of them.

“The main target of the operation was to disrupt vehicles transporting food items and weapons to Al-Shabaab. The forces successfully destroyed those vehicles, burnt all the items, and killed 20 Al-Shabaab militants in the operation,” the statement reads in part.

The ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerate the fight against Al-Shabaab militants in Mudug region, specifically in Shabeellow area, where the militants had planned several attacks against security forces.

Government’s comment comes five days after heavy fighting between the Somali National Army and Al-Shabaab took place in the same location, causing heavy casualties on warring sides. Government said it killed 100 Al-Shabaab fighters while Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 58 soldiers and injured 71 others. 

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been stationed in Dhusamareb for the two months to intensify operations against Al-Shabaab and motivate the local community to join the fight.