BAYDHABO, Somalia- Southwest state forces backed by Somali national army (SNA) soldiers launched a fresh offensive against al-Shabaab militants in Bay region on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Officials in the region said the operation aimed at pushing out al-Shabaab from their remaining strongholds between Baidoa and Bardale towns, and reopen the main corridors.

Speaking to GO over the phone, Bardale district commissioner Weedow Ali Hassan said the allied troops have killed a member of al-Shabaab following a deadly clashes at an area, 18 km away from the town.

Hassan added that Southwest and SNA forces wrested control of several bases belonging to the militant group, saying the new operation will continue until security is restored.

On the other hand, al-Shabaab has said it resisted the attack against its bases by the coalition forces, and denied the commissioner's claim of killing a militant in Wednesday's battle.

After losing major ground, al-Shabaab imposed blockade on towns in Bay region under the control of Somali, and AU troops, and continued to launch attacks on the allied troops.

GAROWEONLINE