The Somali army killed 15 al-Shabaab militants in a targeted airstrike in southern Somalia, the Defence Ministry said Sunday.
The strike, carried out with international partners, hit fighters planting roadside bombs in the Middle Shabelle region, officials said.
Authorities said the operation destroyed a vehicle and weapons allegedly intended for attacks against civilians along a strategic road.
The ministry described the action as a pre-emptive blow against an imminent threat lurking along a key supply route.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group, has waged a bloody insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than 16 years.
The group frequently targets security forces, government officials and civilians in bombings and coordinated assaults across the country.
Since July, Somali forces have intensified operations against the militants, backed by international partners and regional troops.
Support has included coordination with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, which assists in security operations.
In December, the UN Security Council renewed the mission’s mandate for another year through a UK-backed resolution.
The authorisation extends until Dec. 31, underscoring continued international backing for Somalia’s campaign against the insurgents.