An airstrike in Somalia has killed Bashir Mohamed Qorgab, a senior commander of the militant Islamist group al-Shabab, local media reported.
“Bashir Mohamed Mahamoud was a senior operational leader responsible for exporting terror in Somalia as well as attacks into Kenya”, said Col. Christopher Karns, director of public affairs of the US African Command (Africom). He added that Qorgab was killed on 22 February in the southern Somali town of Sakow, following a joint operation by the Somali army and US military.
The notorious organization is linked to al-Qaeda and controls much of southern and central Somalia. It also performs terrorist operations in Kenya. Qorgab was in charge of attacks on military bases. In 2008, the United States issued a reward of $5million for information on his whereabouts.
Al-Shabab grew out of the anarchy that crippled Somalia after warlords ousted a longtime dictator in 1991. It is estimated to have several thousand fighters, including foreign fighters, some of which are from the Middle East with experience in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Qorgab’s family has confirmed his death.
Al-Shabab's Qorgab killed in air strike
EPA/SAID YUSUF WARSAME
A vehicle burns after a car bomb exploded in front of the Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, 01 November 2015. Unknown attackers exploded a car bomb in front of a popular hotel before storming inside, killing at least 12 people, reports said. No immediate claim of responsibility was made, but Somalia's Islamist militant group al-Shabab has carried out similar attacks in the past.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -