Al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia execute alleged Kenya and US spies

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Al-Shabaab militants have executed 5 people believed to be spies of the United States and Kenya, in the latest incident targeting those associated with foreign military within Somalia. This country is struggling with instability.

According to reports, the five were publicly executed in Jamame, a town that the militants have dominated for years. The agricultural-rich town is found within the Lower Jubba region under Jubaland state where the militants are wrestling for control.

The five, officials say, were executed through firing squad which has the mandate to carry such tasks. The militants do not allow the accused to defend themselves once they are charged with spying for the United States.

Both Kenya and the US have been heavily involved in Somalia’s war against Al-Shabaab, including training and equipping of the military teams. The United States trains the elite Danab commandos who carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The incident comes at the time the country is fighting the militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions. The spirited military actions have largely led to the liberation of several strategic towns nationwide.

Elsewhere, the Somali National Army dismantled Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) set by the Al-Shabaab militants on the road between Masagaway and Barag-Sheikh Aamir targeting civilians traveling on the road.

The militants usually use IEDs to wage attacks across the country, mostly targeting security forces and senior government officials. The militants also target innocent civilians who have borne the brunt of the war that has lasted for 18 years.

GAROWE ONLINE