US forces have killed an Islamic State (IS) leader, Bilal al-Sudani, and 10 of his operatives in northern Somalia.
Details about the nature of the operation have not been released, however, the soldiers were drafted in via helicopter.
Bilal was killed after US special forces raided a remote mountainous cave complex hoping to capture him.
"Al-Sudani was responsible for fostering the growing presence of ISIS in Africa," Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said, reports BBC.
He also allegedly funded the group's activities globally, said Austin.
Analysts said the fact that US troops were sent under orders of President Joe Biden to kill or capture Sudani, rather than using a less risky drone strike, indicates his significance.
The operation comes after US President Biden redeployed hundreds of US troops to the country after his predecessor, Donald Trump, pulled them out.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
