MOGADISHU, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Somali and U.S. security forces said Monday they killed three al-Shabab militants when they conducted an airstrike on Sunday near Bangeeni in the southern region.

The U.S. Africa Command which oversees American troops on the African continent said no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike which was carried out by Somali special forces.

William Gayler, director of operation, U.S. Africa Command, said the latest airstrike targeted al-Shabab fighters who posed a direct, immediate and significant threat to partner forces.

"Al-Shabab consists of terrorists and criminals who seek to export hate and violence more broadly. We remain committed to supporting our Somali partners and the security progress we are building together in the region," Gayler said in a statement.

Southern and central regions of Somalia have become the battleground of clashes between government forces and al-Shabab extremists after the militants were driven out from the capital Mogadishu in August 2011 by the Somali army and African Union forces.

The U.S. strikes have largely targeted al-Shabab figureheads based in southern and central Somalia where the group still maintains a strong grip in some regions.

The extremists have recently increased their attacks, especially in Mogadishu targeting hotels and other public places. Enditem

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