Somalia says a top al-Shabab extremist leader is killed

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Somali authorities say a top leader of the al-Shabab extremist group has been killed in a joint operation by the Somali National Army and international partner forces.

Abdullahi Nadir had a $3 million bounty on his head by the United States and the Somali government described him as 'œone of the most important members of al-Shabab.'

He was killed Saturday in Haramka village in the Middle Jubba region, said the government statement issued Monday. He had been close to the former emir of al-Shabab, Ahmed Abdi Godane, and current leader Ahmed Diriye.

'œHis death is a thorn removed from the Somali nation, and the Somali people will be relieved from his misguidance and horrific acts,' the statement said, adding that Nadir had been in position to succeed the current al-Shabab leader.

Somalia's president recently declared 'œtotal war' against al-Shabab, which has thousands of fighters and controls large parts of southern and central Somalia. The group supports itself in part by 'œtaxing' or extorting residents, businesspeople and travelers, according to residents.