Advertisement

Somalia on high alert after al-Shabaab leader killed

Somali officials warn of possible retaliatory attacks after U.S. drone strike kills al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane.

By Danielle Haynes
A RQ-1 Predator from the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron lands at Tallil Air Base, Iraq on Jan. 20, 2004. The Predator is a remotely piloted vehicle that provides real-time surveillance imagery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (UPI Photo/Suzanne M. Jenkins/AFIE)
1 of 3 | A RQ-1 Predator from the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron lands at Tallil Air Base, Iraq on Jan. 20, 2004. The Predator is a remotely piloted vehicle that provides real-time surveillance imagery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (UPI Photo/Suzanne M. Jenkins/AFIE) | License Photo

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Somalia was on high alert against retaliatory attacks Saturday one day after the White House announced a drone strike killed al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane in Somalia last week.

Forensic DNA testing conducted in Mogadishu confirmed Godane was among three people killed by the drone strike in the remote Shabelle region in Somali.

Advertisement

Somali officials said African Union peacekeeping troops were already ambushed by Islamist militants Saturday and they expect to undergo further attacks in retaliation for the killing of Godane.

National Security Minister Kalif Ahmed Ereg said the country faces "desperate attacks" on government buildings.

"Security agencies have obtained information indicating that al-Shabab is now planning to carry out desperate attacks against medical facilities, education centres and other government facilities," he said.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday urged militants to embrace peace following the death of Godane.

Latest Headlines