Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali National Army backed by the local forces on Friday killed 20 Al-Shabaab militants and injured others after conducting operations at three group strong-holds between Ali Heele and Runnirgood district in middle Shabelle region under Hirshabelle State.

SNA Infantry Commander, Dayah Abdi Abdulle told reporters that the forces weapons and pushed them during the operations, calling locals to side by side with Somali National Army recover group belongings.

126 jerrycans containing fuel were also recovered during in a separate operation in an area close to Cowsweyne in Galgudud region according to the officials.

Al-Shabaab did not comment on SNA claims over the latest fighting between the two sides at Middle Shabele-Galgudud region south-central Somalia, but separate heavy clashes were reported to have taken place in Hiiraan and Galgudud regions.