Mogadishu Feb 28, 2023 (SD) – The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for the capture of Al-Shabaab’s leader, Ali Mohamed Rage (Ali Dheere), in the latest move in its Counterterrorism Rewards Program.

The Counterterrorism Rewards Program run by the US State Department said Ali Dheere is wanted for his role in planning and executing terrorist attacks in Somalia and Kenya.

This is not the first time that the US government has offered a reward for the capture of high-ranking Al-Shabaab members, but this announcement comes as the United States has sent military equipment to the Federal Government of Somalia, which today arrived at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu.

The military equipment sent by the United States to support the Somali army was received by the Minister of Defense of Somalia, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jaamac), and the Chief of Defense Forces, General Odowa Yusuf Rage.

General Odowa Yusuf Rage, the Chief of Defense Forces, noted that the US support would help strengthen the Somali army’s capabilities to combat Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups. He also highlighted that US support was critical to achieving peace and stability in Somalia.

The US support for the Somali army comes at a crucial time when the country is facing significant security challenges from Al-Shabaab, the US has provided military training and equipment to the Somali army and supported operations against Al-Shabaab militants.