MOGADISHU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces, backed by local community forces, have intensified operations against al-Shabab militants, killing nine militants on Sunday evening in the southern region.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the Ministry of Defense said the militants were killed during an operation conducted in Busley Daud village in the Lower Shabelle region.
"During the operation, nine al-Shabab militants were neutralized. The individuals had been responsible for causing harm and insecurity among the local population," it said.
The ministry added that the allied forces will continue their operations against al-Shabab and remain committed to protecting civilians and liberating areas where terrorist groups are still attempting to hide.
The operations are being conducted under the newly launched Operation Rolling Thunder, which aims to dismantle key al-Shabab strongholds, cut off routes used for terrorist activities, weaken the group's operational capacity, and protect civilians and key strategic sectors.
Launched on March 1 with support from international partners and local allies, the joint operations have already recaptured several al-Shabab positions and destroyed their hideouts, including storage facilities, as troops pursue remaining fighters. Enditem
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