The US-trained Danab forces aided Jubaland regional troops in conducting an attack against Al-Shabaab bases near the port city of Kismayo, officials said.
The combined forces ransacked several hideouts for the militants in different areas, including Biibi, Maalka-dhaqajo, Beer-xaani, Qudus and Yaaq dabayl.
As many as 23 Al-Shabaab members, among them senior commanders identified as Ahmed Ali Farah [Abu Abas] and Geedi Warfa Ali [Abu Muscab] have been neutralized in the raid.
An official with Jubaland army, who asked not to be mention in the report confirmed the casualty figures on Al-Shabaab. There were no independent sources confirming the claim.
The operation was part of a wider plan to conquer the last Al-Shabaab pockets in Lower and Middle Shabelle regions, where the militants orchestrate and execute attacks.
Somali president Hassan Sheikh visited Jubaland last week on galvanizing on this military mission, which is expected to attract Non-ATMIS troops from Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
In August 2022, the Somali leader declared launching a fresh offensive against Al-Shabaab, capitalising on mounting discontent with the Islamist insurgency.
The defence minister of Somalia Abdulkadir Mohamud Nur said on Tuesday that 3,000 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in the operations backed by international partners and local clan militias in south and central Somalia.
The United States has been supporting the Somali army in its fight against al-Shabab by providing enhanced training, equipment, and the ability to call for U.S. air support.
Muqdisho-Somalia