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A military court in Somalia has sentenced a senior Al-Shabaab member to life in prison for making car bombs and helping the extremist group avoid detection. The sentencing is part of ongoing efforts by the Somali government to break down Al-Shabaab’s support networks.
The man, Abdinasir Mohamed Hassan, was found guilty of building vehicle-borne explosive devices (VBIEDs) for the group and changing vehicle identification numbers to hide the origins of the cars. According to court documents, Abdinasir had been carrying out these illegal activities since 2018.
During this time, Abdinasir received a monthly salary of $240 from Al-Shabaab. He also owned a NOHA vehicle and operated a garage, which he used as a cover for the group’s operations. Prosecutors said the garage played a key role in the preparation of car bombs used in attacks across the country.
The court heard that Abdinasir worked directly under an Al-Shabaab commander named Khalid. His activities helped the group carry out several deadly operations by providing them with customized explosive vehicles designed to avoid government detection.
In addition to Abdinasir’s sentence, the military court also punished several other individuals connected to Al-Shabaab’s logistical network.
One of them, Maadey Abdi Hussein, was sentenced to two years in prison. He was found guilty of travelling to Kunya Barrow, an area under Al-Shabaab control, where he repaired three vehicles for the group. After spending a month there, he returned to Elasha Biyaha. In return for his work, Al-Shabaab paid him $400 and gave his uncle $50.
The uncle, Isse Maadey Abdi Hussein, was sentenced to one year in prison for helping the group. Although his role was smaller, the court found that even providing indirect support to Al-Shabaab was a serious offense.
Meanwhile, another man, Abdiqadir Ali Farah Tabliiq, who had been accused of trying to sell a vehicle to Al-Shabaab, was found not guilty and released. The court said there was not enough evidence to prove that he intended to work with the group or that the sale ever took place.
These court rulings come as part of the Somali government’s renewed push to weaken Al-Shabaab by targeting not just fighters but also those who provide them with resources, transportation, or shelter.
Over the past few months, Somali security forces, with support from international allies, have increased pressure on Al-Shabaab, regaining control of key areas that were once under militant rule. However, despite losing territory, the group continues to carry out deadly attacks, often using car bombs in populated areas.
Authorities hope that by punishing those who supply, repair, or build tools for Al-Shabaab, they can disrupt the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks.
The military court’s decision sends a strong message that anyone working with the militant group—whether by assembling weapons or providing logistical help—will face serious consequences under the law.