That was bound to happen sooner or later, just as soon as al-Shabaab got strong enough to expand its horizons. The newly minted alliance with al-Qaeda is also significant, as al-Shabaab has access to al-Qaeda's assets in the region to make good on its threats. "Somalia: Al-Shabaab declares jihad on Kenya," from Garowe Online, February 7:
The Islamic administration of Al-Shabaab that controls Somalia's southern regions of Jubba has on Sunday declared holy war on Kenya over reports that Nairobi is training Somali troops.
Sheikh Hussen Abdi Gedi, Al-Shabaab's second in command in the southern port city of Kismayo said his group has received reports of planned offensives from the Kenyan side, urging the regions' residents to prepare for holy war.
"Kenya has prepared troops that comprise of Kenyans and Somalis, who are trained to attack and take over the regions. They are planning to attack us on the land, sea and air. We are urging people to be ready and defend our land," he told Al-Shabaab's Andalus radio on Sunday.
Andalus: We've got your convivencia right here, kuffar.
His sentiments come as Kismayo, the lucrative southern Somali port city that fuels insurgent activities across the war-torn country, witnesses a low flying military planes which raised high tension.
The border between the two countries has also seen the enormous presence of Kenyan troops, who are patrolling with the battle wagons.
It is the first time that the rebel group has declared jihad against Kenya since capturing the bordering region.
However, Kenya denied reports of its involvement in the training of Somali soldiers, saying it has nothing to do with the Somali issues.
Sources quoted by Garowe Online said Nairobi trained in its soil some 2,500 troops, who are ready to join the Somali government's offensive against Al Shabaab rebels.
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