Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) backed by international partners, killed nine al-Shaabab militants, including two commanders, during a targeted operation near Jowhar town in south-central Somalia.

“Among those killed were senior al-Shaabab leaders Ahmed Ali Jimale, top commander for Jowhar district and Gedi Mohamed Nur Adde, head of operations in Dumaaye and Dabagaalo,” NISA said in a statement issued on Friday evening.

The security agency said the operation also eliminated seven militants from al-Shaabab’s local Hizbul militia who were accompanying the targeted leaders.

NISA confirmed the sting operation which was carried out in the Middle Shabelle area went according to plan, dealing a significant blow to the insurgent forces.

The Somali government has vowed to sustain offensive operations against al-Shaabab leaders and fighters until the security threat to the nation is fully neutralised.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report