Overview

U.S. forces targeted and killed an al-Shabab military commander, Abdullahi Haji Da’ud, on May 27, 2016. Da’ud had reportedly coordinated al-Shabab’s attacks in Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya, and had previously served as head of the al-Shabab’s security and intelligence unit, the Amniyat.“Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S. Airstrike in Somalia,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 1, 2016, http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/788062/statement-by-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-us-airstrike-in-somalia. According to the U.S. Department of State, Da’ud had been responsible for recruiting and training al-Shabab operatives, and had planned operations against the Somali government and Western targets. In November 2015, the U.S. Department of State offered an award of up to $5 million for information on Da’ud.“Rewards for Justice - Reward Offers for Information on al-Shabaab Key Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, November 10, 2015, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/11/249374.htm.

In announcing Da’ud’s death, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook stated, “We are confident that the removal from the terrorist network of this experienced al-Shabab commander with extensive operational experience will disrupt near-term attack planning, potentially saving many innocent lives.”“U.S. Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab Leader in Somalia,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 1, 2016, http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/788089/us-airstrike-targets-al-shabab-leader-in-somalia;
“Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S. Airstrike in Somalia,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 1, 2016, http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/788062/statement-by-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-us-airstrike-in-somalia.