Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said it carried out a targeted security operation that killed eight al Shabaab fighters in the Middle Juba region.
In a statement, the agency said the operation was conducted in the Arabow area of Bu’aale town, with support from international security partners. Authorities said the raid targeted key locations used by the armed group to plan and coordinate attacks.
According to the statement, several facilities were destroyed, including what was described as the group’s political and administrative headquarters, an explosives manufacturing site and a media and propaganda centre.
Security forces also struck a training camp and a residence used by trainers affiliated with the group, the agency said.
Al Shabaab, which is linked to al Qaeda, has been fighting the Somali government for more than 16 years and regularly carries out attacks on security forces, government officials and civilians.
Since mid last year, the Somali army has intensified operations against the group, with backing from African Union forces and other international partners. The mandate of the African Union support mission was renewed by the UN Security Council in December for another year, following a resolution backed by the UK.