WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) — The United States on Monday targeted an al-Shabaab leader in an airstrike in Somalia, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said.
The strike took place near Saakow, Somalia, with the use of an unmanned aircraft. The name of the al-Shabaab leader targeted was not reported.
“At this time, we do not assess there to be any civilian or bystander casualties,” Kirby said in a statement. “We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information, when appropriate, as details become available.”
The airstrike came two days after a top leader in the terror group surrendered to Somali government authorities.
Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi, the chief of intelligence for al-Shabaab, gave himself up near the borders with Ethiopia and Kenya. The U.S. State Department had issued a $3 million bounty for Hersi.
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