Shabaab military leader reportedly killed in U.S. airstrikesJune 2, 2016 - 10:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Shabaab military leader in Somalia is "presumed killed" following recent U.S. airstrikes, Pentagon officials said Wednesday, June 1, AFP reports. The airstrike carried out on May 27 targeted top Shabaab military commander Abdullahi Haji Da'ud, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters. Another U.S. official told reporters in Washington that the senior Shabaab militant is believed to have been killed in the attack. "Da'ud was one of Shabaab's most senior military planners and served as a principal coordinator of (the group's) militia attacks in Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda," Cook told reporters in San Diego, AP says. The Shabaab -- a group fighting to overthrow the internationally backed government in Mogadishu -- has also vowed retribution against "Western crusaders" who it says are guilty of offenses against Muslims in Somalia. The capital city has a contingent of some 22,000 troops from the African Union to help bolster the government in its battle against Shabaab insurgents. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |