The state-run news agency in Somalia says at least 10 al-Shabab militants have been killed in a security operation in the central Hiiraan region.
It said those killed in Tuesday’s engagement included three senior commanders of the Islamist group, adding that the national intelligence agency and international partner forces were involved.
Al-Shabab has lost large areas of territory in recent months in the face of an offensive by Somalia’s military working with the African Union, US forces and clan militia – but it continues to launch attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and some neighbouring countries.