Somalia's defence ministry said on Thursday that its armed forces and regional security forces had killed 27 Al Shabab terrorists in Jubbaland state in an operation with international support.

The defence ministry statement did not name the international partners that provided support but said its operation was backed by air strikes.

The defence ministry said the terrorists were killed in "a large-scale operation in areas of Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba," adding that weapons and landmines had also been seized.

It said those killed included key members of the terrorist group.

An African Union peacekeeping mission has also been trying to aid the Somali government's efforts to combat Al Shabab.