Pentagon confirms airstrike killed senior-level official in Somali jihadist group

The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that a Dec. 2 airstrike in Somalia killed a senior leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated group al Shabaab.

The Department of Defense characterizes Abdirahman Sandhere, better known in Somalia as "Ukash," as a key decision-maker for Al Shabaab -- a jihadist group that aims to establish a fundamentalist Islamist state in Somalia.

Two other al Shabaab militants were killed in the attack, which targeted Sandhere.

“Ukash's removal from the battlefield is a significant blow to al-Shabaab and reflects the painstaking work by our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said. “This is an important step forward in the fight against al-Shabaab, and the United States will continue to use the tools at our disposal -- financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military -- to dismantle al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups who threaten United States interests and persons.”

Cook said the U.S. will continue supporting international efforts to aid the Somali government, including the African Union Mission there.