At least twenty-five people have been arrested in a massive security operation carried out by Somali troops in the central Somali town of Bula-Burde, an official said Wednesday.

Confirming the incident, Bulo-Burde district commissioner said the troops launched a house-to-house search across the city and detained 20 people on suspicion of being Al shabaab members.

"The operation was aimed at securing the town and protects Al shabaab attacks. The suspects are being interrogated at the police station. The innocents will free soon and everyone found guilty will be put on trail,” said district commissioner.