WarSclerotic

In this Dec. 8, 2008 file photo, armed al-Shabaab fighters on pickup trucks prepare to travel into the city, just outside Mogadishu, in Somalia.AP2008

The leader of the Islamic militant organization behind the slaughter at a Kenya mall last year was killed during a U.S. military strike earlier this week, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News Friday.

Ahmed Abdi Godane — the leader of al-Shabab – was killed during an airstrike Monday that also claimed the lives of 10 other militants.

President Obama, speaking at a NATO summit in Wales, said the successful strike was an example of his administration’s push against terrorism.

“We have been very systematic and methodical in going after these kind of organizations” that threaten U.S. personnel and the homeland, Obama said. “That deliberation allows us to do it right, but have no doubt: We will continue to do what is necessary to protect the American people.”

Earlier the White House had released a written statement confirming Godane’s death.

“Godane’s removal is a major symbolic and operational loss to the largest Al Qaeda affiliate in Africa and reflects years of painstaking work by our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals,” the White House said.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby echoed the statement.

“The U.S. military undertook operations against Godane on Sept. 1, which led to his death,” he said in a statement. “Removing Godane from the battlefield is a major symbolic and operational loss to al-Shabaab.”

Earlier this week, senior officials said the drone targeted Godane as he left a meeting of the group’s top leaders. The official told The Associated Press that intelligence indicated Godane was likely killed in the attack.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for last September’s Westgate Mall shooting that left 68 dead and another 200 injured.