SOMALIA – A top Al-Shabaab commander within Jubaland was one of seven militants killed on Wednesday evening, Somali’s Radio Garowe has reported.

Security forces attached to AMISOM, Somali National Army and Jubaland forces waged onslaught against the militants in Lower Juba.

The region, which is manned by Kenya Defense Forces, has been experiencing frequent Al-Shabaab attacks for years now.

Major Shirwa Omar, a member of Somali National Army, confirmed the latest progress but did not immediately name the name of the commander.

“We raided Koban, Bangeni and Arare villages in Lower Juba. We exchanged with the militants for several hours before flushing them out,” he said.

“A top commander was killed in the process and six militants. Eight others were injured and are in our custody,” added the army spokesman.

Jubaland, which is under Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, has been experiencing Al-Shabaab attacks despite heavy presence of Kenyan Defense Forces.

The KDF flushed Al-Shabaab out of Kismayo, the state’s capital and has been struggling to stamp authority in the outskirts, losing sizeable army in the process.

War against Al-Shabaab has been derailed in the state due to friction between Madobe and Federal Goverment. Madobe enjoys backing of Kenya. Majority Leader Aden Duale attended his inauguration a fortnight ago.