In a significant blow to the Al-Shabaab militant group, Maalim Ayman, a senior leader known for planning multiple terrorist attacks, was killed in a joint military operation between Somali and US forces. The announcement of Ayman's demise was made by Somali Minister for Information Daud Aweis on Friday.

According to Aweis, Ayman was responsible for orchestrating several lethal terrorist attacks not only in Somalia but also in neighboring countries. One of the most notable attacks attributed to him was the assault on Kenya's Manda Bay Airfield on January 5, 2020, targeting US and Kenyan personnel.

US officials have confirmed that three Americans, including a soldier and two civilian contractors, lost their lives in the Manda Bay attack. Additionally, two US service members and one civilian contractor sustained injuries. The US Department of State issued a statement expressing their condolences and offering support to the affected individuals.

With Ayman deemed a high-value target, the US government had issued a substantial bounty of up to $10 million for any information that would lead to his arrest or conviction. The joint military operation resulting in Ayman's death marks a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.

CNN has reached out to the US State Department for further comments on this development. It is expected that this successful operation will deal a severe blow to Al-Shabaab's operations and serve as a deterrent to its members.