One former jihadist tells CNN the relationship began in 2008 when he linked up a senior figure in Al-Shabaab , Ahmed Warsame , with the Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki . Al-Shabaab has threatened revenge on Somalia ever since Kenyan forces entered Somalia . Mall attack shows Al-Shabaab has taken its ability to strike outside Kenya to a new level . The operation meets criteria that al Qaeda leader Al-Shabaab listed in a recent message . Al-Shabaab allies in region include Kenyan militant group Al-Shabaab and Kenyan government .
Al-Shabaab has threatened revenge on Somalia ever since Kenyan forces entered Somalia . Mall attack shows Al-Shabaab has taken its ability to strike outside Kenya to a new level . The operation meets criteria that al Qaeda leader Al-Shabaab listed in a recent message . Al-Shabaab allies in region include Kenyan militant group Al-Shabaab and Kenyan government .