Doha: Somali security forces announced Saturday the elimination of 21 Al Shabaab militants, affiliated with Al Qaeda, during a military operation in the Middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia.

According to Qatar News Agency, the operation was conducted last night by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in collaboration with the armed forces in Middle Shabelle. The operation successfully neutralized all targeted militants.

Authorities urged civilians to avoid areas where Al Shabaab militants are believed to be hiding, emphasizing the continuation of military efforts to cleanse the country of such threats.

For over a decade, Somali forces have been engaged in battles against Al Shabaab, a group responsible for numerous attacks that have claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and security personnel. The forces have successfully reclaimed several areas in central Somalia.