MOGADISHU , Somalia

Somali armed forces have killed 14 al-Shabaab fighters in a security operation in the Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia, authorities said Wednesday morning.

Armed forces conducted the operation on Tuesday night, said Deputy Defense Minister Abdullah Houcine Ali.

Ali said inhabitants in the region alerted authorities about the presence of al-Shabaab fighters in the area.

During the operation, the army seized military equipment and torched several vehicles belonging to the militant group, Ali added.

Al-Shabaab has not reacted to the government's announcement.

The Somali government has been battling the al-Qaeda-linked militant group since 2004.