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On Monday, Somalia’s military court announced the execution of two men who had been convicted of carrying out bombings and targeted killings on behalf of the Al-Shabaab militant group. The executions were conducted by firing squad in Mogadishu after the court confirmed their direct involvement in several deadly attacks against civilians, government officials, and community leaders.
The men, identified as Anas Abdulqadir Ali Mahmoud, commonly known by the alias “Salman,” and Aden Mursal Mohamed Iidow, were found guilty of playing active roles in terrorist operations across Somalia. According to military prosecutors, they were not only members of the extremist group but also took part in planning and executing a number of violent incidents that claimed innocent lives and spread fear among the public.
Convictions and Crimes
The court’s investigation revealed that Mahmoud and Iidow were directly linked to targeted assassinations of both government representatives and ordinary civilians. Their crimes also included carrying out bombings in different regions of the country, with the aim of destabilizing security and intimidating the Somali population.
One of the most serious charges against them was their involvement in a terrorist attack in Gaalkacyo, Puntland, which killed several respected community leaders. These leaders included local elders and traditional figures who were considered important voices of unity and peace in the region. Their deaths were a huge loss to the community, and prosecutors emphasized that such attacks were designed to weaken social cohesion and silence community leadership.
Witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and intelligence reports tied the convicts to these atrocities. The court highlighted how the men had actively worked with Al-Shabaab operatives to expand the group’s violent agenda. They were accused not only of executing attacks but also of spreading fear through threats and intimidation campaigns directed at civilians.
The Court’s Verdict
After months of reviewing the evidence and hearing from witnesses, the Somali military court concluded that the two men had committed crimes that met the threshold for the death penalty under Somali law. The judges declared that their actions caused irreparable harm to the country’s stability and security, as well as deep pain to families who lost loved ones in the attacks.
In line with the verdict, the court sentenced them to death, and the ruling was carried out on Monday morning. Military officials overseeing the executions confirmed that they were conducted according to the law and under the supervision of relevant authorities.
Broader Context
This case comes at a time when Somalia continues to face significant security challenges from Al-Shabaab, a militant group affiliated with al-Qaeda. The group has waged an insurgency for more than a decade, targeting government institutions, security forces, community leaders, and ordinary citizens.
Despite ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab has maintained the ability to carry out large-scale bombings, assassinations, and raids in different parts of the country. Their tactics often focus on undermining the authority of the federal government and discouraging public trust in state institutions.
The Somali government, with support from regional and international partners, has been working to dismantle the group’s networks. Military offensives in central and southern Somalia have reclaimed towns and villages from Al-Shabaab, but the group remains a significant threat.
Message from the Executions
Officials said the executions of Mahmoud and Iidow send a strong message that Somalia will not tolerate acts of terrorism and that those who take part in atrocities against civilians will face justice. The military court emphasized that protecting the public and upholding national security remain top priorities, especially at a time when the country is striving for stability and peace.
While executions remain controversial globally, Somali authorities argue that such punishments are necessary deterrents against terrorism, particularly given the scale of destruction caused by Al-Shabaab over the years. Families of victims welcomed the court’s decision, saying that justice had been served for the lives lost in the attacks.
The case highlights both the dangers Somalia continues to face and the government’s determination to fight back against extremist groups that seek to destabilize the country. As Al-Shabaab continues its insurgency, Somalia’s military and judiciary remain at the forefront of the struggle to safeguard communities and restore peace.