MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, named Abu Ubeid Ahmed Omar to be their new leader following the killing of previous leader by a US airstrike, said a commander of the group.

The Somali militants unanimously selected Omar on Saturday at a meeting in an undisclosed location in Somalia, said rebel commander Abu Mohammed. Omar is believed to be an assumed name, and the new leader’s real name is not known.

Al-Shabab also stated that it remains aligned with al-Qaeda, according to the Site Intelligence Group, that monitors statements by Islamic militant groups.

The Somali group had to appoint a new leader following the death of Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed by a US airstrike Monday. The attack took place 105 miles (170 kilometres) south of Mogadishu, where al-Shabab trains its fighters.

President Barack Obama confirmed Friday that Godane was killed by the US airstrike. The US State Department declared al-Shabab a terrorist organisation in February 2008.

Godane was also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr and was the spiritual leader of the al-Qaeda-linked group. The US had offered a reward of up to US$7 million for information leading to his arrest. Godane had publicly claimed al-Shabab was responsible for the deadly Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya that left 67 people dead one year ago.

Somalia’s Government said Friday night that it has credible intelligence al-Shabab is planning attacks following Godane’s death.

In a televised speech, Gen Khalif Ahmed Ereg, Somalia’s national security minister, said possible targets include medical and educational institutions. Ereg said the Government is vigilant and its armed forces are prepared to prevent such attacks.

The killing of Godane was a “delightful victory”, said Ereg. He called on militants still fighting for the al-Qaeda-linked group to surrender to get a “brighter” life from the Government.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday thanked the US for killing Godane saying his death provides “a small measure of closure” for victims of the Westgate Mall attack. Kenyatta’s nephew and his fiancée died in that attack, a year ago this month.