Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by the armed forces of Türkiye, carried out F-16 airstrikes against Al Shabab terrorists’ positions in the Godey area of the Lower Shabelle region.

According to the ministry, the strikes targeted caves, weapons depots and shelters used by Al Shabab terrorists.

The ministry said approximately 35 Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed, while more than 20 others sustained serious injuries.

“Following the airstrikes, the targeted location experienced a series of large secondary explosions, indicating that it had been used to store weapons, explosives and enemy military supplies,” the Somali Ministry of Defence said.

‘‘Until threat is eliminated’’

The site also housed vehicles loaded with explosive materials that ‘‘were being prepared to carry out terrorist attacks against the Somali people,” it added.

The operation forms part of Somalia’s ongoing military operations against the Al Shabab group, which has waged terrorism in the Horn of Africa nation for more than a decade.

Somali government forces have increasingly relied on coordinated operations combining ground offensives with precision airstrikes conducted alongside international security partners, particularly Türkiye.

“The Ministry of Defence extends its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their support in combating and eliminating terrorism,” it said.

The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military operations against the terrorists ‘‘until the threat they pose to the Somali people is eliminated.”