Al-Shabaab calls for attack on Djibouti for hosting western interests

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab could wage deadly attacks in Djibouti, the Horn of Africa nation where the US and France have an unlimited influence, ahead of the much-anticipated elections in the Red Sea country, which hosts the US Africa Command team.

Ahmed Omar Abu Ubaydah, in the latest audio that was posted by Al-Shabaab allied media houses, accused Djibouti of turning the country into a military base, “from where every war against the Muslims in East Africa is planned.”

Although he didn't specify how he will engineer Al-Shabaab attacks in Djibouti, Abu Ubaydah asked youths in the country to “carry out individual lone wolf martyrdom operations” to expel the French and Americans.”

“Make American and French interests in Djibouti the highest priority of your targets,” the audio posted by al-Shabab media says, as reported by the Voice of America.

Abu Ubaidah said his group was ready to offer “safe refuge” and “prepare and train” those willing to migrate from Djibouti if they cannot fulfill the “individual obligation of jihad.”

The US Africa Command has a base in Djibouti from where the troops are prepared and deployed to strategic places in support of allied governments. Somalia has been a beneficiary of the US Africa Command program but the troops withdrew this year.

Colonel Christopher Karns, who is a spokesperson for the US Africa Command, told VOA Somali that the U.S. Africa Command is aware of the recent audio release from al-Shabab calling for attacks on U.S. and French interests in Djibouti.

“U.S. Africa Command takes these statements seriously,” Karns said.

“Al-Shabab remains a persistent threat to U.S. interests in East Africa. This is why it remains important to apply continued pressure on the al-Shabab network and isolate the threat it presents to the region and beyond,” he added.

The United States completed the withdrawal of most troops from neighboring Somalia in January following an order from then-President Donald Trump.

The number of U.S. military personnel in Somalia ranged from 650 to 800 people. U.S. troops supported and mentored an elite Somali unit known as the Danab “lightning” brigade.

The U.S. military has also been conducting airstrikes against al-Shabab. There have been no confirmed strikes in Somalia since President Joe Biden took office. Earlier this month, Somali military officials expressed concern about the reduction of strikes against al-Shabab, which they fear could give the militant group additional momentum.

Karns said airstrikes remain an option.

“We will not telegraph actions or our intentions. It would not be in al-Shabab's best interests to incite a response from us,” he said. “We remain committed to security in East Africa and are postured to respond to threats.”

Al-Shabab previously attacked Djibouti on May 24, 2014, in a double suicide explosion at a restaurant frequented by Westerners, killing three people.

Djibouti voters go to the polls on April 9 for the presidential elections. Incumbent Ismail Omar Guelleh is seeking a fifth term in office. Djibouti officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the new threat.

Djibouti has a military contingent serving as part of the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE