Islamic State terror banker Bilal al-Sudani killed by US special forces in Somalia mountain cave hideout | World News
US special forces killed a senior Islamic State leader and 10 other militants in a raid on a mountain and cave complex in remote northern Somalia.
Wednesday’s operation targeted Bilal al-Sudani, who is believed to have played a key role in funding terrorist group activities in Africa and Afghanistan, and leading the organization in Somalia.
President of the U.S.A Joe Biden was informed last week about Somalia mission that followed months of planning and gave the go-ahead this week.
Intelligence officials have been following al-Sudani for years.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “This action makes the United States and its partners safer and more secure, and it reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism at home and abroad.”
The U.S. Africa Command said in a statement: “Given the remote location of the operation, it is estimated that no civilians were injured or killed.
“Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to bring greater security to all Africans.”
One American involved in the operation was bitten by a dog but was not seriously injured, an administration official said.
US officials provided few details about how the mission was carried out or about the circumstances of al-Sudani’s assassination.
One official said that American forces intended to capture it, but as the operation unfolded, this proved “unfeasible.”
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The US success came days after Africa Command claimed it had struck northeast of the capital Mogadishu, near Galkad.
During this operation, the Somali National Army forces fought fierce battles after a long and intense attack by more than 100 people. Al Shabaab militants.
The US estimates that about 30 terrorists were killed during the operation.
The offensive by Somali forces against Al-Shabaab has been called the most significant in more than a decade.
