Somalia Executes Two Al-Shabaab Members Convicted of Murders in Mogadishu

 Somalia Executes Two Al-Shabaab Members Convicted of Murders in Mogadishu

Somalia’s military court on Wednesday carried out the execution of two al-Shabaab members convicted of killing government soldiers and a prominent businessman in Mogadishu.

The men, identified as Saleebaan Hussein Nur Ali (known as Ali Siyaaf) and Abdulqadir Abuukar Ahmed (also known as Nasruddin or Sabir), were executed by firing squad in the capital, according to military officials. The executions were conducted in the presence of military officers and relatives of the victims.

The court had previously found both men guilty of carrying out targeted assassinations on behalf of al-Shabaab, the al-Qaida-linked militant group that has waged a brutal insurgency in Somalia for the past 16 years. Their cases were heard separately, and both were handed death sentences for their involvement in the killings.

This is the third time in recent weeks that Somalia’s military court has executed convicted al-Shabaab members, reflecting a tougher stance as the government intensifies its campaign against the militants. Authorities have increasingly relied on capital punishment as part of their broader strategy to deter insurgent violence.

Al-Shabaab, despite losing ground to Somali security forces, local community militias, and African Union troops, continues to carry out deadly attacks targeting government officials, security forces, and civilians. The group’s persistent violence underscores the challenges facing Somalia as it works to restore stability and strengthen rule of law.

For many Somalis, the executions signal a measure of justice for victims of terrorism. Families of those killed by the two men witnessed the sentences being carried out, marking a symbolic moment of accountability.

As Somalia’s federal government and its allies step up military and judicial efforts against al-Shabaab, the executions also send a clear message: terrorism and those who carry it out will face the full weight of justice.