A United States citizen was arrested in Nairobi for threatening to bomb America in support of the Hamas attack on Israel.
In a statement by the US Justice Department on Friday, the suspect had travelled from Egypt to Kenya at the beginning of December, intending to join militant group, 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.
The plan was, however, thwarted after detectives of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercepted and arrested the suspect before he could depart Kenya.
The 23-year-old was extradited to the US days later to face charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
According to the US Department, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
This comes amid several countries heightening their security in the wake of terror attacks globally. Recently, Canada and the United Kingdom issued advisories, warning their citizens against travelling to various parts of Kenya owing to increased attacks.
Some highlighted areas include the Kenya-Somali border, Eastern Garissa, Mandera, Tana River County and Lamu Counties, and the coast between Tana River and Galana River.
Canada, in particular, highlighted four areas including estates in Nairobi such as Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani.
