Several top leaders of Al Shabab militant group were reportedly killed overnight in airstrikes across southern Somalia.
The strikes were carried out in Lower Shabelle and Middle Juba regions, including districts of Sablaale, Haaway, and Kunya Barrow.
Among those killed were Hussein Fiidow, Al-Shabab’s political affairs head, spokesperson Abdicaziz Abu Musab, finance chief, and other leaders, as reported by Shabelle Radio.
The airstrikes killed 100 fighters reportedly undergoing training at a camp, according to the Radio quoting security sources.
The air raid also destroyed vehicles carrying explosives before they could be smuggled into Mogadishu, preventing potential attacks on the capital.
The strikes come as Somalia increases its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in south and central towns.
Security sources credit the operation’s success to cooperation between Somali forces and U.S. military intelligence teams.
Al Shabab, an al Qaeda-linked group, has yet to comment on the bombing or casualties among its militants.
Driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, the al-Qaeda-linked group continues to carry out deadly attacks in south and central Somalia.
The group has been fighting for years to impose a hardline interpretation of Sharia law in Somalia.
