Somalia Extremist Group, Al-Shabab Elects New Leader Following Godane’s Death

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, named a new leader Saturday after confirming the killing of their previous leader by a U.S. airstrike, a commander of the group said. The Somali militants unanimously selected Ahmad Umar, also known as Abu Ubaidah, at
a meeting in an undisclosed location in Somalia, said rebel commander Abu Mohammed.

Al-Shabab also stated that it remains aligned with al-Qaida, according to the Site Intelligence Group, that monitors statements by Islamic militant groups.

There had been speculation by analysists that al-Shabab would be shaken by a power struggle over the selection of a new leader and that perhaps the Somali rebels would change their alliance and become allied to the Islamic State group operating in Syria and Iraq.

The Somali group had to appoint a new leader following the death of Ahmed Abdi Godane who was killed with two other officials by a U.S. airstrike Monday. The attack took place 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Mogadishu, where al-Shabab trains its fighters.

In a statement, al-Shabab also warned: "Avenging the death of our scholars and leaders is a binding obligation on our shoulders that we will never relinquish nor forget no matter how long it takes. "By the permission of Allah, you will surely taste the bitter consequences of your actions."

The announcement of the new leader came just minutes after al-Shabab themselves confirmed the death of Godane.

Earlier on Saturday, Somali National Security Minister Kalif Ahmed Ereg told reporters: "Security agencies have obtained information indicating that al-Shabab is now planning to carry out desperate attacks against medical facilities, education centres and other government facilities."

Mr Ereg "congratulated the Somali people" on Godane's death, adding: "The security forces are ready to counter their attacks and we call on people to help the security forces in standing against violent acts."

Godane was also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr and was the spiritual leader of the al-Qaida-linked group. The U.S. had offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to his arrest. Godane had publicly claimed al-Shabab was responsible for last year's deadly Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, that left 67 people dead one year ago.

(Associated Press Writer Tom Odula contributed to this report from Nairobi, Kenya)