Somali government has provided details of an aerial operation carried out in Jilib town, Middle Jubba region, under Al-Shabaab’s control.
Somalia’s Ministry of Information said the airstrike destroyed two training and explosives facilities in the town.
The ministry said the strikes also targeted two houses occupied by Al-Shabaab leaders, identified as Hassan Yaqub and Amin.
“We are currently conducting an assessment of the casualties and damages inflicted upon Al-Shabaab,” the ministry added.
Additionally, other aerial raids were reported at the border between Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions.
Al-Shabaab, however, denied the claims, saying Ethiopian warplanes dropped barrel bombs on a market in Jilib town.
The group said the strike in El-Bacad, the border the town, killed a mother and her two children.
There was no immediate comment from the Somali government on the allegation.
This comes days after the government urged civilians to stay away from areas under Al-Shabaab’s control.
Airstrikes have increased since mid-last month, after Al-Shabaab militants gained ground in Middle Shabelle following dawn attacks on army bases.
Driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, the al Qaeda-linked group continues to carry out deadly attacks.
For over a decade, the militant group has been battling to impose a hardline interpretation of Sharia law in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab still controls large swaths of southern and central Somalia.
