Al-Shabaab executes suspected spies in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants have executed at least 7 people suspected to be spies, in the latest incident targeting innocent civilians and security teams in the Horn of Africa nation, which is fighting with instability.

The militants have been on the receiving end for the last 15 months, with the government activating a crackdown against the group, which has been intimidating locals in the Horn of Africa nation, which is struggling with instability.

According to reports, the 7 individuals were accused of being spies of US Africa Command, Kenya, the government of Somalia, and Jubaland intelligence. They were executed in Jilib town, a major stronghold of the militants.

Traditionally, Al-Shabaab has executed people believed to be spies of the US army and the government, with some also blamed for working closely with the government of Kenya and the regional administration of Jubaland.

Jilib town in Middle Jubba is one of the major strongholds of the militants, who have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. The al-Shabaab have often executed those believed to be sharing intelligence with security teams.

The government of Somalia is keen to defeat al-Shabaab militants, with the government anticipating to eliminate the group from central and southern regions. Already, Somali security forces have started taking over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

ATMIS teams have started withdrawing from strategic locations across the country, with the last contingent expected to leave by the end of December 2024. The government of Somalia is in the process of reviving a deteriorating economy.

GAROWE ONLINE