MOGADISHU, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Six high ranking members of the Al-Qaida linked terror group Al-Shabaab were on Friday killed in southern Somalia's Jubaland state during an operation by special forces.
The spokesman of security agencies in Jubaland, Sayid Ahmed Mohamed Arab told reporters that the operation that led to the death of six Al-Shabaab militants near the port town of Kismayo was successful.
"Our special forces carried out a successful operation at Mugambow location in lower Juba region this morning and killed six high ranking Al-Shabaab militants that were planning vicious attacks against civilians," said Mohamed Arab.
He added that the covert operation targeting Al-Shabaab hideouts will intensify in the days ahead.
Al-Shabaab fighters have staged numerous attacks against civilians and security forces inside Somalia despite a relentless onslaught to vanquish them.
