The US Department of State has offered a reward of up to Ksh1.5 billion (USD10 million) for information leading to the identification and capture of an Al Shabaab leader responsible for a series of deadly terror attacks in Kenya.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the department revealed that the leader, known as Abu Ubaidah or Ahmed Diriye, has also orchestrated attacks in Somalia, Uganda, and Djibouti, resulting in numerous casualties.
"Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on Ahmed Diriye, also known as Ahmed Umar and Abu Ubaidah. Abu Ubaidah serves as the leader of Al-Shabaab—a position he has occupied since the death of former Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane," read part of the statement.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to text over Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp for a chance to win the reward.
The contact information is available on the Rewards For Justice Website.
According to the department, anyone with information can anonymously report it through the Tor-based tip line for Rewards for Justice.
The Tor-based tip line protects a person by hiding the browser history and IP address.
In 2015, the US State Department identified the terror suspect as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, resulting in the blocking of all property and interests within US jurisdiction associated with him.
To that effect, US citizens are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with Abu Ubaidah.
"It is a crime to knowingly provide, or attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to Al Shabaab," the US warned.
This is not the first time that the US government has placed a bounty on the suspect's head.
In 2015, the US placed a $6 million bounty for his arrest 2015, however, the suspect remains at large.
He was reportedly spotted in a November 2019 video released by Al Shaabab, where he was heard preparing the group for an attack.
The US condemns terror attacks globally and continues to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, aiming to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
