The Pentagon says a senior military commander for al Shabab was likely killed last Friday in a U.S. drone strike in south-central Somalia.
A statement from Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook called Abdullahi Haji Da’ud, “one of al Shabab’s most senior military planners” and “principal coordinator” of al Shabab’s militia attacks in Somalia, Kenya and Uganda.
“Da’ud has been responsible for the loss of many innocent lives through attacks he has planned and carried out. We are confident that the removal from the terrorist network of this experienced al Shabab commander with extensive operational experience will disrupt near-term attack planning, potentially saving many innocent lives,” Cook said.
About 50 U.S. troops are operating in Somalia in support of the U.N.-backed African Union Mission in Somalia.
Officially the Pentagon says “the results of the operation” are still being assessed, but privately senior officials tell the Washington Examiner Da’ud is believed to have died.
The Pentagon says he held several positions of authority within the terrorist organization over the years, including head of the Amniyat, al Shabab’s security and Iintelligence branch.
Last month U.S. troops called in an unmanned airstrike in support of Uganda troops who were in a firefight with al Shabab militants, killing five.
