For Abu Mansoor al-Amriki , the mall was an attractive target because Westerners frequented it . Also , it fits with the Somalia -based terrorist group 's enmity with Nairobi . The group has recruited around dozens Danish men and also dozens from West . The attack on the Nairobi mall may be an attempt by Al-Shabaab to signal its continued relevance .
For Al-Shabaab , the mall was an attractive target because Westerners frequented it . Also , it fits with the Somalia-based terrorist group 's enmity with Kenya . The group has recruited around 40 American men and also dozens from Europe . The attack on the Nairobi mall may be an attempt by Al-Shabaab to signal its continued relevance .