The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in coordination with international partners, carried out a series of coordinated operations in the Middle Shabelle region, killing more than 33 Al Shabab terrorists, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Several terrorist hideouts were also destroyed during the operation.

NISA said in a statement that a house sheltering senior Al Shabab was also targeted.

The ringleaders were organising terrorist attacks at the time they were struck, the statement read.

Logistical network destroyed

“Vehicles used for transporting and mobilising terrorists were burned, effectively dismantling their logistical network,” it said.

NISA added that the operations followed intelligence indicating that approximately 90 terrorists had gathered in the area to prepare activities threatening national security.

“The planned actions significantly weakened the terrorists' capacity and neutralised their imminent threat,” the statement noted.

Al Shabab has waged terrorism against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians.

Somali government ramps up fight against Al Shabab

Since last July, Somali forces, backed by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other partners, have intensified operations against the terrorist group.

The mission’s mandate was renewed for another year by the UN Security Council in December under a UK-backed resolution extending authorisation through December 31.