Kenya: Al-Shabaab statement calls for more attacks on US interests January 8

Event

In a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, Al-Shabaab has called on its jihadists to make American interests their primary targets across the country, as well as tourists across the country. The statement also warned that Kenya 'should never be safe again' if the country does not pull its troops out of Somalia.

Context

The statement comes a few days after Al-Shabaab stroke on military base killing three US personnel in Manda Bay Sunday, January 5 and amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, which has prompted other terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah to announce that their targets are now US interests and citizens.

Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks near Kenya's porous border with Somalia as well as in coastal areas in retaliation for Kenya's participation in a multinational force fighting Al-Shabaab in Somalia since 2011.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Due to various security concerns, many Western governments have advised against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.