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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |