Somalia’s military court has executed two Somali soldiers convicted of collaborating with the extremist group Al-Shabaab to assassinate a battalion commander, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Why the 2 Somali Soldiers Were Executed?
The two Somali soldiers were sentenced to death in August after being found guilty of orchestrating the July assassination of Commander Aided Mohamed Ali.
According to court officials, one soldier received an explosive device while the other planted it under the commander’s bed, detonating it remotely.
Military prosecutor Hassan Siyad Mohamed confirmed the execution, stating:
“They were executed today for their involvement in the assassination of Commander Aided Mohamed Ali.”
Somalia’s Military Court Cracks Down on Extremist Ties
Liban Ali Yarrow, chairman of Somalia’s Supreme Military Court, issued a stern warning:
“Anyone found having links with the *Kharijites and proven, one day God will expose you, and you will come out, and we will find you and execute you by firing squad.”
*The term “Kharijites” is commonly used by Somali officials to refer to Al-Shabaab militants.
Rising Al-Shabaab Threat in Somalia
Somalia is facing a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks, raising fears of a jihadist resurgence.
The Al-Qaeda-affiliated group has reclaimed dozens of towns and villages, reversing many of the military’s territorial gains from 2022 and 2023.
Just last week, three Al-Shabaab members convicted of killing civilians in Mogadishu were also executed by firing squad, underscoring the government’s intensified crackdown on terrorism.
