MOGADISHU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union (AU) forces, backed by international partners, on Thursday killed more than 30 al-Shabaab militants during a joint operation in southern Somalia, the AU peacekeeping mission said.

The operation, supported by air assets and involving multiple engagements with al-Shabaab fighters, was conducted in the vicinity of the Bulunagaad military base in the Lower Shabelle region, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

"Through coordinated ground and air offensives, over 30 al-Shabaab militants were put out of action, while several others sustained injuries," the AU mission said.

According to the mission, the militants had earlier attacked SNA and AUSSOM forces during pursuit operations targeting remnants of al-Shabaab fighters dislodged from the coastal town of Gendershe and the Jilib-Marka axis under SNA-led operations code-named Operation Hidden Sword.

"Joint forces will continue operations to degrade al-Shabaab's operational capabilities and to promote lasting peace, stability, and security in Somalia," AUSSOM said.

The latest joint operation comes as Somali security forces are ramping up offensives against al-Shabaab militants across Somalia in recent past. Local soldiers, backed by international partners, have been conducting joint operations in central and southern regions as government forces move to gain a foothold. ■