 [Khaleej Times] Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab extremist group has acknowledged that one of its commanders was killed in a US military raid. The Shebab group "acknowledged the death of one of its commanders... and a group of its fighters in a communique issued on jihadist forums," SITE Intelligence Group said on Tuesday.
US officials confirmed the raid on Monday, and said that Shebab commander Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan had been killed in the operation. Nabhan is a Kenyan citizen wanted by the FBI over the 2002 anti-Israeli attacks in Mombasa.
| Israelis killed in Mombasa? How does the FBI have an interest? |
The Shebab posted a statement on the Global Islamic Media Front website indicating "that six helicopters initially participated in the attack and fired 'heavily and in a focused manner' on a car driven by the fighters," according to SITE.
| "The big meanies are picking on us!" |
"They said that two of the helicopters landed and then these fighters responded to them in an hour-long clash, but were overwhelmed by the four other helicopters."
| "We coulda taken them, but the meanies cheated." |
Earlier Tuesday, a top Shebab commander told AFP that the group would "retaliate against this unprovoked attack." "The United States is Islam's known enemy and we will never expect mercy from them, nor should they expect mercy from us," a member of the extremist group said.
| Whatcha gonna do, Mr. Al Shababer-man? Seduce more of our jihadi-minded sons to send to their deaths? |
"We are investigating the matter and if any Somali is found to have aided the attackers, then he or she shall face Allah's verdict," he said on condition of anonymity.
The governor of the Lower Shabelle region where the raid occurred said three civilians were killed during the operation, details of which remain murky.
ABC News reported that at least one US helicopter was involved in the raid, along with support from a US Navy ship offshore that was on hand to monitor the situation and provide assistance if needed. Nabhan's body was taken into US custody, added ABC, a US television network. |