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Somalia’s military court has carried out the execution of three men found guilty of being members of the al-Shabaab militant group and participating in deadly attacks in Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle region.
The men — Qudama Hamza Yusuf, Abdi Hassan Roble, and Ibrahim Omar Shama’un — were convicted of taking part in targeted killings and bombings that claimed the lives of both civilians and security personnel. According to Somali state media, the Armed Forces Military Court ruled that the severity of their crimes warranted the death penalty.
The court said the evidence against them was strong and included their direct involvement in planning and carrying out attacks. The bombings and shootings attributed to them caused fear and insecurity in the areas they operated in, disrupting daily life for many residents.
The executions are part of Somalia’s broader effort to combat al-Shabaab, a group that has waged a violent insurgency in the country for over 15 years. Al-Shabaab has been responsible for numerous deadly incidents, targeting government officials, soldiers, and civilians. Their attacks have included suicide bombings, roadside explosives, and assassinations, leaving lasting scars on affected communities.
Authorities say these executions send a clear message that those involved in terrorism will face the full force of the law. The military court has been actively pursuing such cases as part of its counterterrorism mandate, and in recent months has increased the number of trials and sentences for individuals linked to the group.
This month alone has seen several executions connected to al-Shabaab activities. On August 11, two Somali soldiers were put to death after being found guilty of conspiring with the group to assassinate a military commander. That incident brought the total number of al-Shabaab-related executions in August to six, showing the government’s determination to act swiftly against anyone found guilty of aiding or participating in militant operations.
The Somali government, with support from international partners, has intensified military campaigns aimed at weakening al-Shabaab’s strongholds, particularly in rural areas where the group still exerts influence. These operations have involved both ground offensives and targeted security measures in urban centers to prevent attacks.
Officials say the fight against al-Shabaab is not only a military challenge but also a broader struggle to restore security and stability across Somalia. Efforts are being made to reclaim territories under militant control, disrupt their financial networks, and dismantle recruitment channels.
Despite ongoing efforts, al-Shabaab remains capable of carrying out high-profile attacks. However, the government insists that its security operations, combined with legal action such as the recent executions, are steadily reducing the group’s ability to operate.
The military court stressed that its priority is to deliver justice for victims of terrorism and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It also urged citizens to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities, saying public support is key in defeating the insurgency.
For many Somalis, the latest executions represent both justice for past atrocities and hope for a more secure future.