Airstrikes kill leader
The Pentagon confirms that U.S. airstrikes in Somalia earlier in the week killed al-Shabab leader Godane. Colonel Steve Warren:
I think this will degrade their morale and hopefully it will also cause some internal strife as they try to determine who their next leader will be. Of course, whoever their next leader is will immediately need to worry about his safety as well.
Godane is killed as U.S. forces fire Hellfire missiles and laser-guided munitions onto an al-Shabab encampment and a vehicle. The Pentagon says several other militants were killed but it is confident there were no civilian casualties. The military declines to discuss whether it cooperated with the Somali government on the raid.
Names new leader
Al-Shabab names Omar its new leader after confirming Godane has been killed by U.S. airstrikes. Somalia goes on high alert as the killing and leadership change are confirmed. Security Minister Khalif Ahmed Ereg:
The remaining elements of al-Shabab are planning to carry out desperate attacks against school, medical, and government facilities. The government’s troops are ready to prevent such attacks.