Shebab again Claim Kenya Attacks, Urge Muslim Uprising
Somalia's Shebab rebels on Wednesday repeated claims they were responsible for two consecutive massacres in Kenya, the day after Kenya's president insisted that "local political networks" and not the Al-Qaida-linked group were to blame.
"The attack in Mpeketoni was ordered by the mujahedeen high command to retaliate for Kenya's killing of Muslims in Somalia and Kenya. The Islamic fighters answered to that holy call," Shebab's military spokesman, Abdulaziz Abu Musab, said in a news conference broadcast by Shebab's radio.
According to the spokesman, the Shebab attackers "controlled the area of the battle zone for 10 hours" after entering on Sunday night before withdrawing. He also said 20 people were killed in an attack the following night in a nearby village, although Kenyan officials say nine people were killed.
"Fighting against our enemies in Kenya will continue," the spokesman added.
"We are calling on the Muslims in Kenya to fight for their dignity as there is no neutral middle ground now. Your religious leaders were killed, your daughters were raped, your property was looted," he said.
"Use guns, knives and all weapons you can get. Fight individually," he added.
Source: Agence France Presse
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