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Top Al-Shabab Commander Believed Killed in Drone Strike

Carla Babb

   WASHINGTON - The U.S. military has confirmed to VOA that one of
   al-Shabab's top leaders was likely killed in a drone strike last month.

   "It is believed that indeed Bashir Mohamed Mahamoud, aka Bashir
   Qoorgaab, was killed" in a U.S. air strike Feb. 22, U.S. Africa Command
   (AFRICOM) spokesman Col. Chris Karns told VOA. The strike occurred in
   the town of Saakow in Middle Jubba region.

   Qoorgaab was one of the most battle-hardened al-Shabab commanders of
   the group's Jabhat (military). Most recently he commanded three
   al-Shabab Jabhat units, two of which are operating in Kenya, including
   the notorious Jaysh Ayman unit in the area of Manda Bay.

   "This is progress," Karns told VOA. "Removal of threats, like this
   terrorist, make Africans and Americans a bit safer and sends a strong
   message to a common enemy whose ambition is to export violence and do
   serious harm to African partners, Americans, and international
   partners."

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