State Slaps Terrorist Designation on Al-Shabab Leader, Lower-Ranking Militant

The State Department designated the head of al-Shabab, Ahmed Diriye, and Mahad “Karate," a militant in the Somali organization, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (here). The designation includes prohibitions against knowingly providing, attempting or conspiring to provide material support or resources or engaging in transactions with the individual. The designation also freezes all property and interests of the individuals in the U.S. or in the control of U.S. citizens. Diriye (here) has led al-Shabab since September 2014. "Karate" (here) participated in a recent high-profile attack on a university in Garissa, Kenya, State says.