Al-Sudani, an Islamic terrorist who has been on U.S. intelligence authorities’ radar for years, was crucial in providing funding for both ISIS-activities K’s in Afghanistan and the group’s operations in Africa.
In secluded northern Somalia, American special operations soldiers have killed a top Islamic State group official as well as 10 other terrorists, the Biden administration reported Thursday.
The operation conducted on Wednesday was directed at Bilal al-Sudani, a crucial financial intermediary for the international terrorist group, who was hiding out in a network of mountain caves.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the move “leaves the United States and its partners safer and more secure, and it demonstrates our firm commitment to safeguarding Americans from the danger of terrorism at home and abroad.”
The potential mission was briefed to President Joe Biden last week following months of planning. According to two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on the operation on the condition of anonymity, he provided final authority to carry out the operation this week on the advice of Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
According to Austin, Al-Sudani, who has been on U.S. intelligence agencies’ radar for years, was crucial in providing funding for IS activities in Africa as well as the ISIS-K terrorist branch operating in Afghanistan.
Terrorist Collaboration
Al-Sudani allegedly collaborated closely with Abdella Hussein Abadigga, an IS agent who recruited young men in South Africa and sent them to a weapons training camp, according to allegations made by the U.S. Treasury Department last year.
Abadigga, who was in charge of two mosques in South Africa, used his influence to demand money from the mosques’ members. According to the Treasury, Al-Sudani viewed Abadigga as a dependable ally who could aid the IS followers in South Africa in strengthening their organization and enlisting recruits.
Al-Sudani was first blacklisted by the Treasury Department in 2012 due to his affiliation with al-Shabab, another terrorist group active in Somalia. According to a senior government official, he provided money for violent extremists in Somalia and assisted foreign fighters in getting to an al-Shabaab training camp.
According to Pentagon authorities, neither injured nor killed during the raid were civilians. According to a government official, one American participating in the operation was bitten by a military dog but was not gravely hurt.
Few specifics concerning the operation’s execution or the circumstances surrounding al-death Sudani were disclosed by U.S. authorities. Al-Sudani the terrorist was supposed to be captured, but according to one official, it wasn’t “possible” given how the operation was carried out.
Days before the operation, Africa Command said that it had carried out an attack in collective self-defense northeast of the capital Mogadishu, close to Galcad. In that episode, more than 100 al-Shabab fighters launched a protracted and aggressive attack on Somalia National Army personnel, which resulted in fierce combat.
In that operation, the U.S. assessed that 30 al-Shabab fighters were killed.
The Somali military’s onslaught against al-Shabab has been called the most significant in over ten years.
In comparison to IS, al-Shabab has a far greater presence in Somalia.
Not “Viable” To Capture
Few specifics concerning the operation’s execution or the circumstances surrounding al-death Sudani were disclosed by US officials.
According to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the action demonstrated America’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens. Alex Brandon, AP
Al-Sudani was supposed to be captured, but as the operation progressed, one officer said that it was not “possible” for US forces to do so.
The mission was announced a few days after Africa Command claimed to have carried out an attack in collective self-defense in Galcad, to the northeast of the capital Mogadishu.
In that episode, more than 100 fighters launched a protracted and aggressive attack on Somalia National Army personnel, which resulted in fierce combat.
