MOGADISHU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said it killed 12 al-Shabab militants in an operation in the south-central part of the country, according to a statement issued on Friday evening.
NISA said the operation targeted a gathering site in Bur Saruur village, roughly 2 km southeast of the Ali-Gaduud area in the Middle Shabelle region, destroying hideouts and military equipment.
"The operation went as planned, while the remaining al-Shabab militants are still being tracked down," the intelligence agency said in the statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Somali government forces, backed by international partners, have intensified their military campaign against al-Shabab across the central and southern regions. These joint operations have led to the recapture of several strategic positions and the destruction of insurgent hideouts and storage facilities as troops continue to pursue remaining fighters. ■