Al-Shabab says American militant not dead

MOGADISHU, Somalia – An al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group says its American commander who was feared dead in early April is still alive.

Al-Shabab militants released a statement on their website Thursday saying Omar Hammami is in "areas under the control of Islam." The group denied he had been killed.

Hammami, an Alabama native, issued a video last month saying he feared his life was in danger because of disagreements he had with other militant leaders.

Al-Shabab's internal divisions are increasingly becoming public.

Hassan Dahir Aweys, one of al-Shabab's leaders, lashed out at the group's brutality against civilians two weeks ago.