There are credible reports that Al Shabaab plan, and have the capability, to attack targets in Djibouti, including western interests.
Al Shabaab has previously issued public threats against Djibouti. On 24 May there was a suicide bombing in a Djibouti restaurant, in which three people died and many were injured.
Djibouti and western interests within Djibouti may be seen as a legitimate target by Al Shabaab because of its support to the Somali government and its participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission AMISOM.