Space just opened up on the FBI's most wanted list. Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, a top al-Qaeda go between in Africa, was killed yesterday by U.S. forces operating in Somalia. Nabhan was wanted in connection with terrorist attacks on the African continent. 

This is much more intriguing than the usual "terrorist killed" headline though. The attack on the terrorist's convoy was carried out by airborne U.S. Special Forces.  The secretive unit reportedly tracked the target for days before four helicopters appeared over the horizon, taking out two trucks traveling through the desert about 150 miles south of Mogadishu.  In contrast to previous Somali operations employing Tomahawk missiles or AC-130 gunships, U.S. forces hit the dirt to collect the bodies. 

More than a little praise is deserved. Nabhan reportedly masterminded the 2002 suicide attack on the popular-with-Israeli-tourists Paradise Hotel, which killed 14 and wounded dozens.  In a coordinated attack down the road, shoulder-fired missiles were also fired at an Israeli passenger jet, but luckily failed. This Kenyan of Yemeni descent has also been fingered in connection with the 1998 AQ East African U.S. Embassy bombings.  More immediately, Nabhan was believed to be running training camps for foreign fighters -- including some Americans of Somali descent -- a phenomenon I have written on before ("Destination Jihad; Indictments Come Down").  (A weekend report also cited an increasing number of young Britons making the jihad journey to Somalia).  Nabhan was reportedly a liaison between al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda's arm in Somalia, and senior AQ leaders in Pakistan.  I hope he is missed.

Already, Shabaab leaders are threatening that we will soon "taste the bitterness of our response." But the message our special forces sent is:  we can get you.  This raid could only be pulled off with precise intelligence on the group's activities.  That realization amongst the militants will likely sow confusion and suspicion in their ranks.  Yesterday's operation could have gone badly.  It was a big hit.  From last spring's pirate kill, to yesterday's daring operation, our armed forces are earning their pay in the Horn of Africa.