'Al-Qaeda directed' Kenyan al-Shabab attacks

Somalia-based jihadist group al-Shabab says its attack on a Kenyan naval base used by US forces was carried out with "guidance" from the head of al-Qaeda.

Its spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage made the comments in a 20-minute audio message released on Wednesday by al-Shabab’s media arm.

Al-Shabab’s affiliation to al-Qaeda is well documented, but the statement is a reminder of its influence and presence in East Africa through the Somali militant group.

Since the turn of the year al-Shabab has attacked a military base, a bus and school in Kenya, killing at least 10 people including three US military personnel.

Meanwhile Iran has sought to distance itself from these attacks, amidst current tensions over the killing of their top general Qasem Soleimani by the US.

There have been fears in Kenya that the country’s close ties to the US could attract Iran’s wrath.

Iran’s embassy in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, issued a statement saying that Kenyans would not be targeted.