The White House on Friday confirmed that a U.S. airstrike in Somalia killed al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane.
“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,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.
The Pentagon said Monday’s strike targeting Godane was launched by U.S. special operations forces using manned and unmanned aircraft. The attack with Hellfire missiles and laser guided-munitions destroyed a vehicle and an encampment south of the Somali capital of Mogadishu, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said Tuesday.
Six fighters from the Islamist extremist group were killed in the strike, Abu Mohammed, an al-Shabab commander and spokesman, told the Associated Press.
