Somalia kills 40 militants in occupied territory – government

The Somali government says its forces have killed about 40 al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region.

In a statement the government said this was the latest offensive aimed at removing the militants from the territory they have been holding.

Al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda which is seeking to impose its interpretation of Islamic law across the country, has continued to carry out attacks in central and southern Somalia, despite some of the areas it had captured being retaken by government troops, who are backed by African Union forces and local militias.

On Sunday the militants attacked the Villa Rose Guest hotel, near the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, killing nine people

Somalia is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years.

Officials say al-Shabab’s restrictions on deliveries of international aid in areas it is controlling has left thousands on the brink of famine.