Somalia's Islamist group al-Shabab has named Ahmad Umar as successor to former leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed in a US air strike.
The group announced the move in an online statement, vowing to take revenge for Godane's death.
Somalia's authorities earlier put the country on alert for possible retaliatory attacks by al-Shabab.
The alert came as the US confirmed the death of Godane in air strikes south of Mogadishu on Monday night.
'Bitter consequences'
Little is known about Ahmad Umar, who is also known as Abu Ubaidah.
Abu Mohammed, one of al-Shabab's commanders, said the decision to appoint him was unanimous.
In a statement, al-Shabab also warned: "Avenging the death of our scholars and leaders is a binding obligation on our shoulders that we will never relinquish nor forget no matter how long it takes."
"By the permission of Allah, you will surely taste the bitter consequences of your actions."
The announcement of the new leader came just minutes after al-Shabab themselves confirmed the death of Godane.
Earlier on Saturday, Somali National Security Minister Kalif Ahmed Ereg told reporters: "Security agencies have obtained information indicating that al-Shabab is now planning to carry out desperate attacks against medical facilities, education centres and other government facilities."
Mr Ereg "congratulated the Somali people" on Godane's death, adding: "The security forces are ready to counter their attacks and we call on people to help the security forces in standing against violent acts."
Ahmed Abdi Godane:
- US put $7m (£4m) bounty on his head in 2012
- Pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda in 2009
- Became al-Shabab's top commander after US air strike killed his predecessor Aden Hashi Ayro in 2008
- Sentenced to death in absentia for 2008 attack in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa
- Studied in Sudan and Pakistan, where he became radicalised
- Said to have fought in Afghanistan
- Was reputed to be a good orator and poet
- Also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubair
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud issued a statement on Friday urging militants to embrace peace after the death of their leader.
He announced a 45-day amnesty for militants who were willing to renounce the group.
Godane was one of the US state department's most wanted men.
It had placed a bounty of $7m (£4.2m) on his head.
The US has supported the African Union (AU) force that has driven al-Shabab out of the capital Mogadishu and other towns since 2011.
The al-Qaeda-linked fighters want to overthrow the UN-backed Somali government and frequently attack government targets as well as neighbouring countries that provide troops to the AU force.
The al-Shabab leader had publicly claimed the group's responsibility for the deadly Westgate shopping centre attack in Kenya in September last year.
Latest Stories
-
6 out of 10 registered deaths in 2022 were males – Births and Deaths Registry
10 mins -
Prof. Kofi Abotsi to deliver keynote at ECOWAS Court of Justice Conference
16 mins -
MTN Ghana Foundation inaugurates new Accident and Emergency Centre for Bawjiase Polyclinic
33 mins -
Government has paid all individuals who opted out of DDEP -1st Dep. Governor of BoG
39 mins -
We are confident about our board meeting in June on Ghana’s second review – IMF
1 hour -
MEST Africa announces 12 companies selected for first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
1 hour -
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo in contention for Bournemouth Supporters’ Player of the Season
2 hours -
I try to set good example for kids who look up to me in Ghana – Mohammed Kudus
2 hours -
Dr. Lawrence Tetteh to march on Jubilee House over Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ bill
2 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp extends Crystal Palace stay until 2025
2 hours -
Leading with AI: Empowering CEOs in Ghana for the future
2 hours -
Kumasi: Thousands of Suame Magazine artisans risk evacuation
3 hours -
Mrs Vivien Badu Antwi
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo, Asantehene to commission $300m Kumasi International Airport today
3 hours -
Guru begins bid for University of Ghana’s SRC presidency
3 hours