The Somali National Army (SNA) says it eliminated more than 100 al-Shabab militants in operations over the last three days following support from US forces, in the central Hiiraan region region.
“Air support from the United States of America has assisted this operation led by SNA,” the statement reads.
Hiiraan and the neighbouring Galgudud region have become the epicentre of weeks of clashes between government-backed clan militia and al-Shabab fighters.
The state TV on Monday also reported that at least 54 militants were killed in Hiiraan region alone.
Before then the army said more than 75 militants were killed in joint operations with clan militia.
In its latest video message on Sunday, al-Shabab spokesperson Ali Dheere threatened to retaliate against the government’s “desperate” use of ethnic militia.