40 U.S. Citizens Recruited So Terrorists

More than 40 people were reportedly U.S. citizens (U.S.) successfully recruited and indoctrinated by a militant group in Somalia.

U.S. counter-terrorism officials have not confirmed the number of U.S. citizens to join in the militant Somalia, Al Shabab. However, the U.S. government had said 21 U.S. citizens believed to go to Somalia and joined the militant group to drive out Ethiopian troops.

Staff from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also found more than 20 Canadians were recruited by Al Shabab. Canadian police also announced, some Somali youth in Toronto allegedly went to Somalia to join the militants.

"Al-Shabab is not just in Somalia, this organization consists of many cadres who are U.S. citizens, they generally have a relationship with Al Qaeda militants," said Republican U.S. politician Peter King told the Associated Press on Wednesday (27/07/2011).

"We must face the fact, Al-Shabab is a major threat to our country," he said.

Lately, the U.S. is focusing its attention on Al Qaeda militants in Somalia. Militants are getting great support from Yemen and plans to attack targets outside the country.

U.S. intelligence also often move in the region. Had alleged that the U.S. has a secret facility in Somalia in the form of secret prisons.