U.S. Airstrike in Somalia Kills ISIS Leader Linked to Jihadist Deployment in U.S., Europe

BOSASO, Somalia - A fortnight after the airstrikes in Cal-Miskaad mountains in Puntland, the US Africa Command has revealed the identity of the ISIS operative killed during the February 1 airstrikes, effectively ending speculations about the targeted individual.

In an unprecedented statement from President Donald Trump, the American leader personally confirmed an airstrike in Somalia, noting that the US Africa Command was pursuing 'an ISIS planner' but did not reveal the identity of the terrorist.

With several media outlets suspecting that the airstrike was targeting ISIS global leader Abdulkadir Mumin, Garowe Online, however, correctly identified the target as Ahmed Maeleninine following independent investigations.

On Tuesday, the US Africa Command confirmed conducting joint airstrikes with the regional forces in southern parts of Bosaso in Puntland, effectively eliminating Ahmed Maeleninine and several other accomplices.

"The command’s current assessment is that approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed," the US Africa Command said in a statement, Tuesday.

"Among those killed was Ahmed Maeleninine, a key ISIS recruiter, financier, and external operations leader responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe."

The US is closely working with Puntland forces in pursuit of the ISIS militants within the Bari region, with the local troops managing to destroy many hideouts, killing dozens of militants this week. The operation is still active with regional troops seizing considerable grounds.

"Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission," the Command further said.

GAROWE ONLINE