In a statement, the ministry said the airstrike took place Tuesday morning in the Godey area, targeting a site where al-Shabab fighters were allegedly hiding.

"The Somali National Army, in cooperation with the Turkish Armed Forces, carried out airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets this morning in the Godey area of the Lower Shabelle region, targeting bunkers, weapons caches and shelters of al-Shabab militants,” the ministry said.

The ministry said large explosions were heard in the targeted area, indicating that weapons, explosives and military equipment had been stored there.

According to the statement, the site also housed militants who were preparing attacks against Somali civilians.

The Ministry of Defense thanked the Somali people for supporting military operations against al-Shabab and said the campaign against the group would continue.

The ministry said the Somali National Army remains committed to eliminating the threat posed by al-Shabab and protecting the Somali people.

Al-Shabab has not publicly commented on the government’s claims.