Al Qaeda branch threatens attacks on Western companies in Africa

NOUAKCHOTT – An al Qaeda affiliate threatened attacks on Western companies' operations across North and West Africa on Tuesday, calling them "legitimate targets" and urging Muslims to boycott them.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has launched raids on installations in the past, in particular in Algeria where it carried out a major assault on a gas plant in 2013 that killed dozens of workers.

Its fighters have also carried out high-profile attacks on hotels frequented by foreigners in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.

"This statement calls to boycott all Western companies and foundations ... that operate in the Islamic Maghreb ... and the countries of the Sahel, and gives a warning to them that they are legitimate target for the mujahideen," it said.