By Shire Abdi - Reporter
SOMALIA (Dawan Africa) —The Somali Federal Government said at least 22 al Shabaab fighters were killed in a military operation in the Lower Shabelle region, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
The operation, conducted over the past 72 hours, took place in Buulo Cabdalla, between Mubaarak and Ugunji, and involved Somali National Army forces backed by international partners, according to a ministry statement.
The assault included both direct ground combat and airstrikes, it said.
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Among those killed was a commander identified as Abdirahman Jeeri, whom authorities accused of involvement in attacks targeting civilians.
The defence ministry and military command said operations would continue to degrade al Shabaab and improve security.
The ministry also thanked international partners for their continued support in ongoing operations, the statement said.