The Pentagon today claims to have confirmed that al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed in Monday’s attacks on southern Somalia, declaring his killing a “major symbolic and operational loss” to the Somali faction.
The Monday morning attack involved both drones and manned aircraft, and killed several people. At the time, the Pentagon said they were uncertain if the attack actually killed Godane, or even if he was present at the time. No ground troops were said to be involved.
It is still unclear who else was actually killed in the attack, let alone how the Pentagon determined Godane was killed if they didn’t have any troops in the area. The attack was also noteworthy because the Pentagon insisted they didn’t seek permission from the White House for it, but used a previous administration authorization to go after Godane to launch the attack unilaterally.
Still, the White House cheered the killing, and vowed to pursue more attacks against al-Shabaab in the future, declaring them a “threat to the United States and the American people.”
Yes, killing the latest Somali "Mr. Big" terrorist will accomplish the same thing that taking out other Mr. Bigs of terror, or crime cartel leadership, always does. Now, former Second Mr. Big steps up into the big chair.
A lot of these government hits on alleged leaders didn't really occur (as later evidence may show) but even when this happens nothing much changes. Perhaps in small clan based groups it is more significant but the elimination of previous Somalia Mr. Bigs didn't end the conflict. So the beat goes on…