MOGADISHU, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The African Union peacekeeping mission and Somali forces on Wednesday launched military operation in Lower Shabelle region to flush out al-Shabab terrorists.

Abdiweli Jama Hussein, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Somali National Army (SNA), said the operation is aimed at pursuing militants who fled north.

"The Somali forces and AMISOM are committed to ensuring the insurgents are wiped out, for peace and prosperity in the country and comply with International Humanitarian Law, while conducting military operations," said Hussein according to a statement from the AU mission.

Hussein also directed the government forces to enhance collaboration with AMISOM and other partners in military offensives against al-Shabab.

The latest operation comes amid heightened vigilance by Somalia's stabilization security unit forces that have launched operation targeting the southern parts of the country, in response to the increasing terror attacks in the Horn of Africa nation.