MOGADISHU, Somalia

At least nine al-Shabaab terrorists, including key bomb-making specialists, were killed in operations carried out by Somali intelligence in collaboration with the international forces in the southern Lower Shabelle region on Saturday.

During the operation in the Lower Shabelle region, six heavy engines used by the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group to manufacture explosives were also destroyed, Somalia’s Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said in a statement.

The NISA statement said those killed included "senior commanders" Abiikar Nuur, who oversaw engines and vehicles, and Abdifitah Mohamed Hassan, the chief mechanic in charge of preparing car bombs.

“These planned operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Khawarij bases and organizational networks, while preventing future terrorist plots,” the statement said.

Khawarij is a term the Somali government uses to describe the al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Al-Shabaab has been engaged in an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians

Since last July, the Somali army, with the support of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, has stepped up operations against the group supporting the central government.

The AUSSOM’s mandate was renewed for another year by the UN Security Council in December, with a UK-backed resolution extending authorization until Dec. 31.​​​​​​​