In another sign of the United States’ determination to help the nations of Africa combat terrorism, millions of dollars in rewards are being offered for information on several top leaders of the al Qaeda-linked, Somalia-based terrorist organization, Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin or al-Shabaab.
The group, listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 2008, is battling that nation’s government for control of Somalia and has also carried out a string of attacks in Kenya. It is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Somali civilians, peace activists, international aid workers, journalists, and civilians, as well as African Union peacekeepers who are helping to restore stability and prosperity to the region. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes amid the fighting.
Under the terrorist designation, the United States imposed financial and other restrictions on the group, blocking property and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with its members. Now the U.S. is offering rewards for information leading to the location of five of its leaders.
Rewards of up to $5 million each are offered for information on the location Fuad Mohamed Khalaf, a dual Somali and Swedish national also known as Fuad Songale; and Bashir Mohamed Mahamoud, an al-Shabaab military commander believed to have been born between 1979 and 1982.
A reward of up to $3 million is offered for information on the location of Abdullahi Yare, the head of media for al-Shabaab.
The U.S. guarantees that all credible reports will be investigated and the identity of all informants will be kept confidential. If appropriate, the U.S. is prepared to protect informants by relocating them. If you have information on any of these men, contact the Regional Security Office at the nearest U.S. Embassy, and the tip line at www.rewardsforjustice.net or e-mail information to info@rewardsforjustice.net. In North America, call 1-800-877-3927.
Anncr: That was an international public service announcement by the United States Government.
