The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to Ksh669 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted Al Shabaab leaders.
In a statement by the Rewards For Justice, the four wanted terrorists include the ring leader Abu Ubadiah, a commander identified as Mahad Karate, Fuad Mohamed Khalaf who was named as a financial facilitator, and Jafar, who is said to be the facilitator and operational planner.
According to the US State Department, the four are wanted in connection to attacks in Kenya, Somalia and other countries in the region.
"The rewards of up to USD6 million for information on Al Shabaab leaders who threaten Kenya and the region’s peace and security," the statement read in part.
Kenyans and Somali nationals were asked to call or text the Rewards For Justice via SMS, Signal, Viber, or WhatsApp should they have information on the four fugitives through +254-718-712-366 (Kenya) and +252-610-703-446 (Somalia).
Abu Ubaidah alias Direye, rose to leadership in September 2014 after the death of former Al Shabaab emir Ahmed Abdi aw-Mohamed (Godane).
As the emir, Abu Ubaidah is directly responsible for Al Shabaab’s activities, which continue to threaten the peace, security, and stability of Somalia and US interests in the region.
He is believed to be in his 40s and a member of the Dir clan from the Kismayo region of Somalia. A reward of Ksh600 million was offered by the US for information leading to his arrest.
Mahad Karate alias Abdirahman Mohammed Warsame is said to be the Al Shabaab shadow deputy leader and has command responsibility for the Amniyat, the militia's intelligence and security wing.
The Amniyat plays a key role in the execution of suicide attacks and assassinations in Somalia, Kenya, and other countries in the region. The US State Department offered a reward of Ksh558 million for information leading to his arrest.
Fuad Mohammed alias Fuad Shongale is reported to have facilitated financial support to Al Shabaab since 2008. He regularly organizes and holds fundraising events for the militant group. A reward of Ksh558 million was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Jafar serves as Al Shabaab’s chief of explosives and is responsible for attack operations in Mogadishu. His face is unknown but the US offered a reward of Ksh558 million for information leading to his arrest.
