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Halafi Mengedi
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Islamic State leader operating in Somalia, Bilal al-Sudani, killed by US military forces

Post by Halafi Mengedi » 26 Jan 2023, 19:03

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military has killed a senior Islamic State leader during an assault operation in northern Somalia.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who announced the operation, identified the leader as Bilal al-Sudani, a key operative and facilitator for ISIS's global network.

"This action leaves the United States and its partners safer and more secure, and it reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism at home and abroad," Austin said in a statement.

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About 10 of al-Sudani's ISIS operatives also were killed in the assault, which was authorized by President Joe Biden and took place Wednesday in a mountainous cave complex in northern Somalia, said senior administration officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Military officials had prepared for the possibility of capturing al-Sudani, but a response by hostile forces resulted in his death, the officials said.

There were no casualties among American service members or civilians, the officials said.

Wednesday's strike is the third by U.S. forces in Somalia since Jan. 20, according to U.S. Africa Command.

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