Somalia warns of attacks to revenge Godane death

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government has credible intelligence that Islamic militants are planning attacks following the death of their leader in a U.S. air strike Monday, a top official said.

In a televised speech Friday night, Gen. Khalif Ahmed Ereg, Somalia's national security minister, said targets including medical and educational institutions could be targeted. Ereg says the government is vigilant and prepared its armed forces to prevent such attacks.

President Barack Obama confirmed Friday Ahmed Abdi Godane, the leader of al-Shabab, was killed by the U.S. airstrike.

Godane had publicly claimed al-Shabab was responsible for the deadly Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya almost a year ago that left 67 people dead.

Al-Shabab has not issued any statements about Godane's death. The implications for al-Shabab following Godane's death are unclear. Some analysts predict a power struggle for the leadership that could splinter the group

Ereg described the killing of Godane as "delightful victory." He called on militants still fighting for the Al-Qaeda linked group to surrender to get a "brighter" livelihood from the government.

The U.S. State Department declared al-Shabab a terrorist organization in February 2008.