Several Al-Shabaab militants were killed on Sunday in a military operation in Somalia's southwestern region, officials said.

South West State spokesman Noradin Abokar told journalists that the militants were killed in a joint operation by federal and state forces in Burhakaba district in Bay region.

"The militants were hiding in the area and waylaying public transport vehicles and demanding levies," the official said

"Several others were captured," Abokar said, but did not indicate the number.

Somali forces have been conducting heightened operations in the region, forcing the militants out of several hideout.

source: xinhua