Somalia Executes Two Former Soldiers for Assassination of Battalion Commander Linked to al-Shabaab

 

Somalia Executes Two Former Soldiers for Assassination of Battalion Commander Linked to al-Shabaab

On Monday, Somalia’s military court carried out the execution of two former government soldiers convicted of collaborating with the extremist group al-Shabaab to assassinate their battalion commander by planting a bomb under his bed.

The two men were sentenced to death in August after being found guilty of killing Major Aidiid Mohamed Ali, the commander of the 83rd Battalion, in July. Prosecutors revealed that one of the soldiers received the explosive device while the other was responsible for placing it beneath the commander’s bed before it was remotely detonated.

Prosecutor Hassan Siyad Mohamed confirmed the executions, stating, “They were executed today for their involvement in the assassination of Commander Aidiid Mohamed Ali.” This strong judicial action reflects Somalia’s determination to combat extremism within its ranks.

Liban Ali Yarrow, chairman of Somalia’s Supreme Military Court, issued a stern warning to all individuals with proven links to al-Shabaab, saying, “One day God will expose you, and you will come out, and we will find you and execute you by firing squad.” His statement underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and betrayal within the military.

These executions come shortly after Somali security forces, working in coordination with Ugandan troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), recaptured the strategically important town of Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region from al-Shabaab militants. This victory marks a significant step in Somalia’s ongoing fight against the extremist insurgency.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, has been waging a deadly insurgency in Somalia since 2007. The group has repeatedly targeted government forces, African Union troops, and civilians through suicide bombings, assassinations, and armed attacks, destabilizing the region and threatening the country’s peace and security.

Somalia’s firm response, including military action and judicial measures like these executions, demonstrates its commitment to restoring stability and security throughout the nation and eradicating extremist threats.