United States’ government reported to have “received threat reports of al-Shabaab’s intent to target the Bole area” of Addis Ababa city.

The vicinity is a location of several international organizations and hotels frequented by westerners and adjacent to the international airport. 

The statement issued by US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security a few hours ago reads:

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Potential of an Imminent Terrorist Attack in Addis Ababa, Bole Area

The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in Addis Ababa to avoid large crowds and places where both Ethiopians and westerners frequent.

The Embassy has received threat reports of al-Shabaab’s intent to target the Bole area.

Restaurants, hotels, bars, places of worship, supermarkets, and shopping malls in the Bole Area should be avoided until further notice because they are possible targets for a potential imminent terrorist attack.

While the exact location of this planned terrorist attack is not known, U.S. citizens should continue to maintain heightened personal security awareness.

*********