Why East African countries remain vulnerable to terrorists

The security of countries in East Africa has come into focus following last week’s terrorist attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi that killed at least 67 people, with experts warning that the entire region is vulnerable.

The attack for which the Somalia-based Al Shabaab took credit — executed in the same style as the Mumbai siege in 2008 where terrorists stormed a hotel with guns and grenades and held people hostage — has revealed a more sophisticated and globally networked terror group determined to launch a series of attacks in countries in the region.