Somalia has removed its top intelligence official and is on high alert following the Monday killing of al-Shabab's leader in a U.S. airstrike.
National Security Director Abdulahi Mohamed Ali had only held the post for two months. He was appointed in July as part of a major overhaul of Somalia's security services.
Government spokesman Ridwan Abdiweli announced the firing after a cabinet meeting Sunday saying Ali failed to fulfill his commitments. No further explanation was given.
The decision comes as Somali officials put the country on high alert after the militant group al-Shabab's confirmed the death of its leader, Ahmed Abdi Godane, in a U.S. airstrike last week.
Somali security minister Khalif Ahmed Ereg said Saturday the al-Qaida linked militants may be planning retaliatory attacks against government facilities. Al-Shabab has named Abu Ubeid Ahmed Omar as its new leader.
Somalia's prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed told VOA his country helped the Pentagon locate Godane and gave approval for his killing.
