Channels

Somali Islamist rebels pledge allegiance to new leader

MOGADISHU - Rebels of the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab have pledged allegiance to their new leader after his predecessor was killed and said their enemies would reap the "bitter fruits" of revenge after Ahmed Godane's killing, a spokesman said.

 

Al Shabaab confirmed that Godane was killed by a U.S. air strike in a raid last Monday and said Sheikh Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaida would replace him to head the group, which wants to impose its strict version of Islam on Somalia.

 

In a statement on Saturday, al Shabaab also reaffirmed its allegiance to al Qaeda and promised revenge for Godane's killing. The government, trying to rebuild a nation torn by more than two decades of conflict, has said it could face retaliation.

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.08.14, 09:35