The Somali National Army (SNA) killed 67 al-Shabab militants during an overnight operation in the southern region of Middle Shabelle, an official confirmed Friday.

Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, infantry commander of the SNA, told the Somali National News Agency that elite troops and international partners carried out an onslaught against the militants.

The joint forces were pursuing al-Shabab militants fleeing from the Middle Shabelle region, added Bihi.