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If the Somali terror group al-Shabab is
responsible for the deadly attacks in Uganda, it could mean the
group is capable of carrying out successful attacks in Africa and
beyond, according to an intelligence assessment by the FBI and
Homeland Security Department.

      Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the explosions that killed
76 people watching the World Cup final in Uganda Sunday.
Intelligence officials have long warned that sporting events and
large gatherings are attractive targets for terrorists.

      This attack would be al-Shabab's first successful strike outside
of Somalia, according to the July 12 intelligence analysis obtained
by The Associated Press. The document is marked for official use
only and was distributed to law enforcement officials across the
country. U.S. officials have yet to publicly comment on the
significance of the attacks.

      Intelligence officials have previously considered the al-Qaida
affiliated group a threat to the U.S. In 2007 and 2008, about 20
Somali-American men were recruited and left the Minneapolis area to
join forces with al-Shabab.


      And Omar Hammami, a U.S. citizen currently based in Somalia, has
appeared in the terror group's media productions and urged people
to travel to Somalia for terror training, according to a May 21
Homeland Security intelligence assessment about the evolution of
terror threats to the U.S.


      "We cannot exclude the possibility that U.S. persons aligned
with al-Shabab in the Horn of Africa may return to the U.S.,
possibly to carry out acts of violence," said the assessment, also
obtained by The AP.


      Shortly before President Barack Obama's inauguration, U.S.
officials were concerned about intelligence they received regarding
a potential threat from al-Shabab to the event. By the time Obama
was sworn in, the terror threat had been debunked.


      Al-Shabab, which means "The Youth," has been gaining ground as
Somalia's Western-backed government crumbles. The group's goal is
to establish an Islamic state in Somalia.


      The FBI says it's currently working with other U.S. government
officials overseas to monitor developments in the Uganda attacks.
      

Gallery

Al-Qaida-linked Somali group claims Uganda blasts

If the Somali terror group al-Shabab is
responsible for the deadly attacks in Uganda, it could mean the
group is capable of carrying out successful attacks in Africa and
beyond, according to an intelligence assessment by the FBI and
Homeland Security Department.


FBI: Uganda attacks signal terror group potential

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