Security personnel also recovered weapons and documents said to outline al-Shabaab attack plans in the area.
In a separate operation, Somali forces killed two additional al-Shabaab members identified as Yahye, also known as Abu Khalid, and Sharif Amir. Officials said Amir was critically wounded during the engagement and later died from his injuries.
The ministry said the latest actions form part of an intensified national campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked group, vowing that “no safe haven will be left for al-Shabaab or its remnants.”
Somalia has stepped up military pressure on the group over the past year. Authorities say 220 precision airstrikes have been carried out since February, resulting in the deaths of more than 860 militants. The increased tempo has involved both Somali forces and security partners operating across southern, central and northeastern regions.
Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia for more than 16 years, carrying out bombings, assassinations and attacks against civilians, government officials and security personnel.