HARARE, August 19. /TASS/. The Somali National Army (SNA) has said its elite Danab Commandos killed more than 100 Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior commanders, in a joint operation with international partners in the Lower Shabelle region, in the south of the country, the Somali portal Goobjoog news reported referring to military sources.

The assault in the Awdheegle district targeted fortified positions and hideouts, with airstrikes destroying tunnels and bunkers before ground forces moved in to secure the area, the Defense Ministry said.

Military officials said the militants had been preparing to resist Operation Silent Storm, a wider offensive by the Somali National Army and AUSSOM forces aimed at driving Al-Shabaab from strongholds across southern Somalia.

Having launched the Silent Storm operation, the army attacked fortified positions and camouflaged hideouts of militants in the Avdegle district. The Air Force destroyed tunnels and bunkers, the portal cites data from the Somali Defense Ministry. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) took an active part in the actions.

This offensive is part of a general campaign to eliminate the remnants of terrorist-controlled areas and restore stability in the country. The SNA is striking from different directions, trying to deprive the militants of rear bases and maneuvering opportunities.

Recently, the SNA eliminated one of the leaders of Al-Shabaab, Abdullahi Abubakar Ali, who was responsible for finances.

In June, the SNA carried out a raid against terrorists in the Mabah area of the Hiran region. Several militant leaders were killed, a significant amount of weapons and ammunition was seized. Earlier this year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vowed to wage "all-out war" against al-Shabab. The national army is backed by local militias and African Union troops.