Foreigner Arrested in Nairobi Over Al Shabaab Links
Foreigner Arrested in Nairobi Over Al Shabaab Links
After threatening to bomb the United States in favor of Hamas’ attack on Israel, an American citizen was detained in Nairobi.
According to a statement released on Friday by the US Justice Department, the suspect left Egypt for Kenya at the start of December with the intention of joining the extremist organization Al Shabaab.
The 23-year-old planned to receive extensive training from the group about jihad (holy war). In turn, he had vowed to wage war against the USA and its allies.
According to the Justice Department, the suspect was motivated by the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, attack on Israel.
“As alleged, the suspect, motivated by the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, devoted himself to waging violent jihad against America and its allies,” the statement read in part.
Following his arrival in Nairobi, he met several members of the organisation before planning to travel to Somalia to join the group officially.
But before the suspect could leave Kenya, investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) caught him and took him into custody, foiling the plan.
Days later, the 23-year-old was extradited to the United States to stand trial on allegations that he attempted to arm a designated foreign terrorist organization with material assistance.
The US Department states that the maximum punishment for these counts is 20 years in jail.
This occurs as a number of nations tighten their security measures in response to worldwide terrorist assaults.
Due to an uptick in attacks, Canada and the United Kingdom have issued cautions cautioning its citizens not to visit to certain areas of Kenya.
The border between Kenya and Somalia, Eastern Garissa, Mandera, Tana River County, Lamu Counties, and the coast between Tana River and Galana River are a few of the regions that are emphasized.
Canada in particular emphasized four neighborhoods, including Eastleigh, Kibera, and Pangani estates in Nairobi.