Somali army says airstrikes kill 26 al-Shabaab fighters in Middle Shabelle

Somalia's army, backed by international partners, carried out airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab positions in the Middle Shabelle region, the defence ministry said on Sunday, killing 26 fighters and destroying military equipment.

The ministry said the operation was part of a broader campaign against the group's positions in the region. Independent sources have not yet verified the casualty figure.

Somali security forces, supported by air cover from international partners, are continuing operations against al-Shabaab across the country. Officials said the security situation in the region remains fragile and further operations are expected.