“The United States has announced rewards worth a total $27 million for information on six top commanders in the Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which has launched attacks across East Africa.”

“The U.S. Department of State said on its website that this included up to $6 million for information on Abu Ubaidah, the al Shabaab leader who took command in September 2014 after his predecessor, Ahmed Godane, was killed by a U.S. missile strike.”

“The United States, other Western powers and countries in the region see the fight against the al Qaeda-aligned group as a vital part of the battle to prevent Islamist militancy spreading in East Africa and beyond.”  (Coordination Center)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/11/us-somalia-usa-idUSKCN0T01WC20151111#5QM4xkylKpk8HgbO.97

Smoke rises from the Westgate shopping centre after explosions at the mall in Nairobi September 23, 2013. REUTERS/Noor Khamis