Somali terror group al-Shabab is calling on Muslim fighters to launch attacks on shopping centres in Europe and North America, including at the West Edmonton Mall. In an hour-long propaganda video posted to YouTube on Saturday, the terror group recounts its attack on the upscale Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya in 2013. More than 60 people died in the mass shooting and subsequent days-long siege. A man who is completely concealed by a headscarf implores "our Muslim brothers, particularly those in the West, to answer the call of Allah and target the disbelievers wherever they are. “If just a handful of mujahedeen fighters could bring Kenya to a complete standstill for nearly a week, then imagine what a dedicated mujahedeen in the West could do to the American- or Jewish-owned shopping centres across the world?" the man goes on. "What if such an attack was to occur in the Mall of America in Minnesota, or the West Edmonton Mall in Canada?" He goes on to say that "all it takes is a man with firm determination" to launch a successful attack. "So hurry up, hasten towards heaven and do not hesitate, for the disbelievers have no right whatsoever to rejoice in the safety of their lands until safety becomes a reality in Palestine and all the lands of Islam." A spokesperson for the West Edmonton Mall said officials there are aware of a video mentioning the facility, and have implemented extra security measures as they monitor the situation. "As always, we take any potential threat seriously and respond appropriately. West Edmonton Mall has implemented extra security precautions; some may be noticeable to guests, and others won’t be," the statement read. "We will continue to follow the situation, along with law enforcement, and will remain vigilant as we always do in similar situations." Alberta RCMP said Sunday that officers are looking into the "exact contents and authenticity" of the video. However, "there is no evidence at this time of any specific or imminent threat to Canadians." "The RCMP together with its partners in law enforcement will continue to investigate threats posed by terrorist entities to ensure Albertans and all Canadians stay safe," read the statement provided to CTV News. The al-Qaeda-linked terror group has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for years in the hopes of one day governing Somalia by its radical interpretation of Sharia law. While Somali forces have pushed the militants out of the capital of Mogadishu, suicide bombers have targeted government officials throughout the country. They have also expanded their attacks into eastern African nations that have aided Somalia in its fight against terrorism. The United States has targeted al-Shabab militants with airstrikes in recent months, killing the group's leader last September and intelligence chief last December.

• published: 22 Feb 2015
• views: 14976