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Do you know the geopolitical importance of Kenya, by the way? Just to see the possible interests of the al-Shabbab.
Kenya has sent troops to Somalia as African Union peacekeepers, so they took the lead there.
A lot of Somalis did live in Kenya to escape the Somali Civil War.
Also, AS is trying to retaliate for the success of Operation Linda Nchi
, since it was a big blow to them.
As of now, the Kenyan police have deployed the General Service Unit, which is their SWAT unit. Also they got FN SCARs deployed for the first time in the public.
Got it. Thanks!![[tup]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Thumbs_up_emoticon_3268.png "[thumb up]"){kind=small}
The attack ocurred a few days after the alledged assassination of one of guys who left them (Omar Hammami (Abu Mansour al-Amriki). I suppose they're retaliating for the Kenyan presence in Somalia and trying to give an impression that they're united and strong.
Attacking a shopping mall is somewhat new, isnt it? Have there been other such attacks anywhere else?
If you don't count lone wolf-style attacks, then no. It is a soft target.
I know in the Philippines that the Abu Sayyaf may have done the same thing, but on a small scale.
AS's twitter was rendered useless by Twitter since it was used to declare their responsibility.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/world/africa/nairobi-mall-shooting.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Casualties in Kenya are increasing, mostly on the civilians executed by AS.
Turns out the mall is partially owned by Israelies, and Israeli soldiers have been called in to help the Kenyans.
Already official in the news?
V
Report from The BBC: Three Britons among Kenya shopping mall attack dead
And Kenyan president Mr Kenyatta revealed in a speech on Sunday that his own nephew and his nephew's fiancée had been killed in the attack.
Of this responsible, Mr Kenyatta said: "They shall not get away with their despicable and beastly acts. We will punish the masterminds swiftly and indeed very painfully."
One of my Uncles was in the shopping centre at the time of the attack. He got out but his car is still in the car park. Not too good, since he's disabled.
edited 22nd Sep '13 1:25:54 PM by Greenmantle
Keep Rolling On
HGW XX/7
Jeez. Hope he's alright. 
Astonishing scenes.
V
Yes, I found out this evening. It sort of brings everything home when it affects one of your own.
Keep Rolling On
Not even the news is sure if the Israelis are involved aside from British police officers.
Update:
According to Kenyan police, they caught two Somali-Kenyans who were arrested with weapons and explosives a few days ago before the shooting occurred. They were ex-refugees who immigrated to Kenya and are from a Somali-populated neighborhood.
Siege is already over with police investigating the scene.
AS' spreading word that Kenyan troops used chemical weapons to take them out during the mall siege.
And it seems that all countries are making preparations to secure soft targets in case of a copycat-based attack.
V
Interpol issues 'Red Notice' international arrest warrant for the 'White Widow', Samantha Lewthwaite: The most-wanted international terrorist is a white, British, woman.
Countdown to the TV special...
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/09/27/keny-s27.html
Looks like the World Socialist Website has an analysis on the situation. Since it's a leftist site, don't take everything in face value.
HGW XX/7
Sigh. It seems to be a fairly strong piece of reportage, but I marvel at how it manages to blame the United States for absolutely everything.
Schild und Schwert der Partei
I'm worried that AQ will view this mall attack as a successful practice run for use in other countries, incl mine.
All countries are currently beefing up mall security and other soft targets worldwide so's not to get a repeat on Kenya.
edited 27th Sep '13 6:07:18 AM by Ominae
Let me guess, it will reach a certain kind of level...
Philippine mall security is a frickin' joke despite the presence of guards and K-9 units that they can't frisk me properly for instance.
For all we know, I can easily slip in a knife or a compact revolver/pistol.
I understand the need for security in the Philippine. I understand the need for security in slightly unstable countries like in central Africa.
In Europe: I hope it won't reach that point. The airport security ain't as excessive in America, but it's still annoying.
edited 27th Sep '13 6:48:14 AM by Quag15
The Kenya Mall Attack was already a copycat attack, it was modeled after the Lashkar e-Taiba attack on Mumbai. It wasn't as complex or well coordinated, but it was inspired by the tactics they used there.
^^
US airport security is all a big smokescreen too. Last time I flew from LAX to Florida, I unknowingly got through LAX security twice with 8 loose rounds of 5.56, a rather large Gerber folding knife, a screwdriver, and two multitools. As a test, I went through the Orlando Airport knowing I had those things and they weren't found there either, though to their credit they weren't watching as closely because I went through the aircrew security checkpoint instead of general population.
http://www.scmp.com/article/581981/attack-bears-hallmark-japans-left-wing-extremists
A year-old article on Japanese leftist terrorists attacking Camp Zama.
