At least 11 Al-Shabaab militants killed in Somalia

A joint security operation conducted by Africa Union troops and Somali military killed at least 11 Al-Shabaab fighters, and recovered explosive devices in Bulobarde town of the Hiran Region, central Somalia.

According to Somali security officer Colonel Cabdullahi Barre Cimi, both the AU and Somali troops conducted the operation on Tuesday night to liberate areas around Bulobarde town and also captured new bases which Al-Shabaab had already controlled.

"The Somali military forces and AMISOM troops conducted joint operations to liberate areas under Bulobarde town from Al-Shabab who are the threat to the peace and security of the whole nation," Barre told Xinhua on Wednesday.

"We killed 11 members of Al-Shabaab and captured three new villages: Ceelbacad Jammeco and Mubarak. Those places used to be Al-Shabaab hideouts. We found weapons and explosive equipment which they used as roadside landmines," Barre said.

The security officer said they do not know the whereabouts of the rest militias who ran after learning of the security operation, adding that they are still combing through the bush.

Barre also encouraged the residents of the liberated areas to cooperate fully with the government troops in order to eliminate the insurgents.

The Al-Shabaab militants have been battling against the Somali government for years, and also carried out a number of attacks in neighboring Kenya. Endi