Mogadishu, January 24 (QNA) - A commander of Al Shabaab, the Al Qaeda-linked group, was killed on Saturday in a military operation carried out by the Somali army in the country's south.

Local sources said the army launched the operation in areas under the Sablaale district of Lower Sablale region, resulting in the death of the militant leader.

The Somali forces also seized military equipment that had been in his possession, according to the same sources.

Somali troops have been battling Al Shabaab for more than a decade. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians and security personnel.

In recent months, the army has retaken several areas across Somalia from the militants. (QNA)