The United States of America (USA) has announced a reward of Sh695 million for information leading to the capture and arrest of Abdullahi Osman Mohamed, alias Engineer.
In a statement updated on Rewards for Justice, a US website that profiles wanted people around the world, Mr Mohamed was described as a bomb expert and the head of Al-Kataib, the media wing of the militant group Al Shabaab.
“Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information about Abdullahi Osman Mohamed. Also known as Engineer Ismail, he is the senior explosives expert for the terrorist group al-Shabaab,” reads part of the statement announcing the reward, posted over the weekend.
The US alleges that Mr Mohamed is the person responsible for the overall management of al-Shabaab’s explosives operations and production.
He is also known as Abdullahi Osman, Imran, Sharmaki, Thaqafi and Dhega Adde.
He is also a key advisor to the terror group’s leader, particularly on how to carry out attacks.
On 17 November 2020, the US State Department listed Mr Mohamed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
The US said the militant was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in the East African region. He is believed to be hiding in the areas of Baraawe, Somalia; Jilib, Middle Juba region and Somalia.
His inclusion on the list of most wanted terrorists operating in East Africa is a clear message from the US in its fight against terrorism and the need to bring such suspects to justice.
The Reward for Justice Program, established in 1984, has been instrumental in apprehending key terrorists and disrupting their networks.
By offering financial incentives, the programme encourages individuals with knowledge of terrorist activities to come forward and provide critical information to law enforcement.
