MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, have chosen a new leader following the killing of their previous leader in a U.S. airstrike.

A commander of the group says the militants unanimously selected Ahmad Umar, also known as Abu Ubaidah, at a meeting in an undisclosed location in Somalia.

The Site Intelligence Group, which monitors statements by Islamic militant groups, says Al-Shabab also stated that it remains aligned with al-Qaida. There had been speculation that a power struggle could lead to a shift in allegiances, and al-Shabab could end up allied with the Islamic State group.

Somalia’s national security minister says his government has credible intelligence that al-Shabab is planning attacks to avenge the death of its previous leader, Ahmed Abdi Godane. He warns that medical and educational institutions could be targeted.

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