Mogadishu, June 25 (QNA) - The Somali Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday that its forces have destroyed hideouts of Al Shabaab remnants, affiliated with Al Qaeda, in Middle Shabelle, southern Somalia.

The ministry's spokesman Sheikh Abubakar Moalim said in a press statement that a successful military operation resulted in the expulsion of Al Shabaab remnants from the city of Masajid Ali Gudud and the Gail Ghab area in Middle Shabelle region.

He said that the operation was part of efforts to clear the area of ​​Al Shabaab militants, and that the joint forces were able to destroy hideouts where the militants were hiding.

He noted that military engineering units are currently continuing extensive combing operations to remove mines and explosives planted by the militants.

It is worth noting that Somali forces have been fighting for more than a decade against Al Shabaab, an Al Qaeda-linked militants that have claimed responsibility for several attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians and security personnel.

Within months, they have succeeded in recapturing several areas previously controlled by the militants. (QNA)