The African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) claimed in an online statement that at least 98 militants were killed in a military offensive against Al Shabaab.

The Somalia army, along with African Union troops launched military offensive that forced Al Shabaab to withdraw its militants from several towns in south and central Somalia

The military operation was participated by Ethiopian helicopters, serving under African Union mission for Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers, battling Al Shabaab.

The Al Shabaab militants were driven out of several towns and urban areas in Gedo, Bay and Bakool regions during military offensive against its held cities.

"In military offensive against Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab, our courageous forces (Somalia and AMISOM) succeeded capturing of number of stretigic towns" African Union statement reads.

Meanwhile, Al Shabaab military spokesman, Sheikh Abduaziz Abu Mus'ab said that its militants had killed at least 20 Ethiopian soldiers in deadly battle in Somalia.

The African Union (AMISOM) vowed to step up its military offensive against Al Shabaab, in a bid to capture other pockets controlling by Islamists in south and central Somalia