Mogadishu: Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said Saturday it killed 12 Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior members, and wounded 13 in a planned operation in the central Galgaduud region carried out in cooperation with international partners.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported that the operation took place in the Eel-Tigweni area and targeted a militia center where more than 40 members had gathered to prepare terrorist attacks.
Officials said a pursuit was under way to track down fighters who escaped during the operation.
Somalia's government has stepped up military campaigns against al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, with the backing of African Union forces and international allies, including the United States.