Mogadishu, January 13 (QNA) - At least 17 fighters from the Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab group have been killed in an overnight air strike targeting a gathering of militants in south-eastern Somalia, officials said.

According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the strike hit the Gubad Godni area of the Middle Shabelle region and was carried out by the Somali army in coordination with international partners.

The agency said the group was planning armed operations at the time of the attack. Several weapons and vehicles belonging to the group were also destroyed.

Somalia has intensified military operations against Al Shabab in recent months, with security forces reclaiming a number of areas in central and southern parts of the country. The group has waged an insurgency against the Somali state for more than a decade. (QNA)