U.S. offers Sh1.29 billion for tips on Manda Bay terrorists

The U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to Sh1.29 billion for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Abdullahi Banati or any individual linked to the deadly terrorist attack at the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya on January 5, 2020.

The attack, attributed to the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, targeted both U.S. and Kenyan personnel, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. contractors and a U.S. service member, as well as injuries to two other U.S. soldiers and a third contractor.

A Kenyan soldier also sustained injuries during the assault.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State emphasized the severity of the attack, noting that the Al-Shabaab group has been responsible for the deaths of thousands across Kenya and neighboring countries through its series of violent attacks.

The U.S. government is urging the public to come forward with any information regarding Banati’s whereabouts or those responsible for the attack, highlighting that all communications will be handled with strict confidentiality.

The appeal to the public is part of the U.S. Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program’s broader effort to incentivize global cooperation in combating terrorism and national security threats.

The program has been operational since 1984 and has distributed over Sh32 billion in rewards to more than 125 individuals worldwide, who have provided critical information leading to the resolution of various security threats.

"We encourage anyone with information on Abdullahi Banati or any others responsible for the 2020 attack on the Manda Bay Airfield to contact Rewards for Justice’s tip lines via Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp. All information will be kept strictly confidential," the statement from the U.S. Department of State read.

The U.S. government’s push for information underscores the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab, particularly in East Africa.

The reward announcement is a direct call to those who may have vital knowledge that could aid in bringing those responsible to justice, offering a substantial financial incentive for their cooperation.

The Manda Bay attack remains a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by terrorist groups in the region, with Al-Shabaab’s influence extending across the Horn of Africa.

As the investigation continues, the U.S. and Kenyan authorities remain focused on dismantling the terror network responsible for the attack and ensuring accountability for the loss of lives.