U.S offers $5 million for Al-Shabab deputy leader as “worldwide” terror threat rises

The United States (U.S) has placed a $5 million bounty on the head of al-Shabab deputy leader Abukar Ali Adan.  

The Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program announced the reward on Tuesday in exchange for information leading to the identification or location of Adan amid a growing terror threat in East Africa and Washington’s renewed concern about the safety of Americans overseas.

“Adan spent several years as al-Shabaab’s military chief after previously heading the Jabhat, al-Shabaab’s armed wing,” the statement said. 

The U.S. originally sanctioned Adan as a global terrorist in January 2018.

The U.S. already has $10 million bounties each on other al-Shabab leaders, including Emir Ahmed Diriye, or Abu Ubaidah; operations commander Mahad Karate and explosives expert Jehad Mostafa. 

Mostafa is a U.S. citizen and holds multiple roles within al-Shabab.

The U.S. designated al-Shabab as a terrorist organization in 2008. The group has been fighting to topple the Somali government for over 16 years.

Last year, the Somali government and fighters from local communities launched a military offensive to expel the group from parts of the countryside. 

President Ruto makes new appointments to state corporations

Ruto to probe Uhuru claim on KSh2bn lost to corruption daily

Drones and missiles launched targeting US bases in the Middle East

Kenyan judges launche LGBTQ Guidebook to sensitise judiciary on rulings

Oscar Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o announces break up with South African boyfriend

Charity Ngilu under probe over mysterious fire that destroyed KSh 10b files 

Earlier this year, the former U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre told VOA the group lost one-third of its territory to the government and local fighters. 

But since then, the group has hit back and recaptured some of the areas it lost this year.

The group has also been carrying out relentless bombings in south-central Somalia, including Monday’s suicide explosion, which a killed a prominent Somali television journalist in Mogadishu.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department issued a rare ”Worldwide Caution” alert on Thursday in which it urged any American who is overseas to “exercise increased caution” due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world.” 

It comes in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7. 

The ensuing conflict has so far claimed around 5,000 lives on both sides and threatens to pull in other countries in the region.

Also read,

Joho recognizes Ruto as President, promises to meet him

Mashujaa Day Celebrations stampede claims lives of FOUR with scores injured

Another Kenyan marathon runner banned over doping

Kenya Power issues advisory to Kenyans ahead of El Nino rains

Israel strikes church in Gaza killing several Palestinians who had sought refuge

Azimio threatens to paralyze Parliament business if Sabina Chege not removed from deputy whip seat

Follow us

FaceBook

Telegram