MOGADISHU, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Somali National Army (SNA) said Tuesday its elite forces Danab killed 11 al-Shabab terrorists during an operation in the Hiran region, central Somalia, Monday night.
Hassan Mohamed Osman, deputy head of the 16th Battalion of Danab Commandos, told the SNA Radio that the elite forces also burnt down a vehicle al-Shabab militants were traveling near Buq-Aqable Village.
"The armed forces have officially taken over Buq Aqable district in Hiran region after killing 11 terrorists who were roaming in the area," the military radio said.
It said the loss of the Buq Aqable district is crucial in the fight against counterterrorism in the central region and across the country.
The militant group has lost ground to the Somali government and African Union troops in recent months but still controls considerable territory in southern and central Somalia. ■