Leader Of Terrorist Group Al-Shabaab Killed In U.S. Strike
The Inquisitr recently reported on the military operation the U.S. was carrying out against the al-Shabaab; and now American airstrikes have resulted in the death of the leader of the Islamic militant organization.
According to Fox News, U.S. officials confirmed on Friday that Ahmed Abdi Godane, the leader of al-Shabaab, was killed during a Monday airstrike in Somalia. Along with the al-Shabaab leader, 10 other Islamic militants were also killed in a drone attack on an encampment and nearby vehicle using laser-guided missiles.
The al-Shabaab was declared a terrorist group in 2008. Ahmed Abdi Godane was responsible for a violent act of terrorism in a Kenyan mall last year that killed 68 people and left 200 more injured.
In response to the successful strike, President Obama spoke at a NATO summit in Wales, calling the operation an example of his administration’s strength against terrorist organizations.
“We have been very systematic and methodical in going after these kind of organizations that threaten U.S. personnel and the homeland,” said the President. “That deliberation allows us to do it right, but have no doubt: We will continue to do what is necessary to protect the American people.”
According to Business Insider, Godane rose to power in recent years by dissolving Shabaab’s Shura council and directing most of the organizations power to the secret police. Godane used that power most effectively during a bombing attack in Kampala, Uganda, during the 2010 World Cup that killed 74 people.
Analyst Abdi Aynte wrote of Godane’s death in an article for the Heritage Institute of Policy Studies:
“Without Godane as its leader, it is difficult to imagine al-Shabaab remaining a cohesive entity.”
After taking control of al-Shabaab, Godane had no intention of being replaced in the future with another ISIS leader.
The White House has released official statements announcing the death of Ahmed Abdi Godane, considering it a great victory in the fight against the ISIS and the larger war on terrorism. While Business Insider considers this moment a sobering realization of the long fight left ahead, Obama’s administration has a much more positive outlook on the al-Shabaab leader’s death.
“Godane’s removal is a major symbolic and operational loss to the largest Al Qaeda affiliate in Africa and reflects years of painstaking work by our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals,” the White House statement said.
Check back with The Inquisitr for more updates on the ISIS, al-Shabaab and the situation in Somalia.
[Image courtesy of Fox News]
