ubbaland state forces backed by Ethiopian troops serving with AMISOM have launched a joint military offensive against Al shabaab bastion near the port city of Kismayo.

The allied troops pushed Al shabaab out of Singalar area, located about 30Km south of Kismayo, after a brief exchange of gunfight with the Al shabaab militants, residents said.

Reports said Jubbaland and Ethiopian forces retreated from the areafollowing Al shabaab counter-attack which left 17 soldiers dead, while scores wounded.

The coalition forces have encountered came undergun and bomb attack from Al shabaab while on their way back to Kismayo city, the seat of Jubbaland state.