Al-Shabaab released video calling for attacks on American and Canadian malls

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – A terror threat on U.S. Soil. Somalia-based Al-Shabaab released a video Saturday calling for attacks on malls in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The terror group posted a video online Saturday, singling out the Mall of America in Minnesota.

U.S. Officials say there is no “specific, real threat” against shopping malls in the U.S. But Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson wards Americans to be careful.

“What we’re telling the public in general, is you’ve gotta be vigilant … If anyone is planning on going to the Mall of America today, they’ve got to be particularly careful,” Johnson said.

In a statement, the Mall of America said it was ramping up security.

“Mall of America is aware of a threatening video that was released which included a mention and image of the mall. We take any potential threat seriously and respond appropriately. We have implemented extra security precautions, some may be noticeable to guests and others won’t be.”

Al-Shabaab is responsible for a 2013 deadly attack at a Kenyan shopping mall.

More than 60 people were killed as the terrorists besieged the retail center in Nairobi.

Secretary Johnson said the video indicates a new phase in terrorism threats: terrorist groups publicly calling for people to launch attacks in their homelands.

“I am very concerned about the serious potential threat of independent actors here in the United States,” Johnson said.

U.S. Law enforcement officials said the FBI is working with malls across the country to improve security.

The secretary told a National Governor’s Association meeting that full funding for the Department of Homeland Security is crucial to fight terrorists group like Al-Shabaab and funding for the department will run out if Congress doesn’t pass a spending bill by February 28th.