MOGADISHU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces, backed by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and other international partners, have launched a new operation to dismantle al-Shabab terrorists in the southern region.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement on Sunday evening that the operation, dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder, is already underway. It will see the allied forces target key al-Shabab strongholds and cut terrorist routes in the Lower Shabelle region.

"The objective is to weaken their operational capacity, eliminate remaining elements plotting attacks in those regions, and ensure the security of civilians as well as the protection of vital agricultural and production zones essential to the country," the ministry said.

It vowed that the new operation will continue until the al-Shabab terrorist group is fully eliminated as a threat to peace, progress and state-building in Somalia. ■