Summary:
- The killing of Maalim Ayman, leader of the Al Shabaab faction in Lamu, marks a significant advancement in the country’s fight against terrorism, as announced by the U.S. Africa Command and the Somali government following an airstrike near Jilib.
The elimination of Maalim Ayman, a terror suspect accused by the government of orchestrating years of violence in Lamu County, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s counterterrorism efforts.
Last Friday, the United States Africa Command (Africom) and the Somali government jointly announced the death of Ayman, who led the Al Shabaab faction in Lamu. The airstrike that resulted in his demise occurred near the city of Jilib last Sunday.
U.S. Africa Command has committed to ongoing assessment of the operation’s outcomes, with further information to be provided as deemed appropriate. Ayman was conclusively identified as one of the casualties.
Since 2019, both Kenyan and U.S. intelligence had pinpointed Ayman, the leader of the Al Shabaab faction named after him, as the mastermind behind the atrocities in Lamu and Tana River dating back to mid-2014. On October 18, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki officially listed Ayman among 35 suspected terrorists wanted for their roles in attacks in Lamu and Tana River.
