Air Raid Targets Militia Leader

A May 27 air raid in Somalia conducted by U.S. forces targeted Abdullahi Haji Daud, one of the chief commanders of the al-Shabab terrorist organization, the Pentagon announced June 1. While in charge of al-Shabab’s security and intelligence, Daud was responsible for attacks and operations in Somalia, Kenya and Uganda that killed “many innocent lives,” according to the Pentagon. “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,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said.