Somalia: Al Shabaab militants blamed for five beheadings in Tiyeglow, residents flee

TIYEGLOW, Somalia - Al Shabaab militants have beheaded five civilians in Tiyeglow district in Bakool region, after seizing control of the town following the withdrawal of Ethiopian and Somali forces, Garowe Online reports.

Mohamed Isack Hussein (Afarale), a member of Somali parliament confirmed the incident, adding the 5 men were executed by Al shabaab for allegedly working for the Ethiopian troops.

Two local businessmen whom Al shabaab has accused of supplying food to Ethiopians forces were among the beheaded, according to the Somali parliamentarian.

“As a result of the executions, many residents began to flee the town after it became apparent that Al Shabaab militants were not ready to compromise on their autocratic rule that infringed on basic rights,” added the MP.

Al shabaab militants did not comment on the reported beheadings and the displacement of the locals in Tiyeglow, a strategic town located in south west of Somalia.

Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group has increased attacks on the military bases belonging to the Somali troops and allied African Union forces (AMISOM) across parts of south and central Somalia in recent months and regularly stages assaults in the capital.

GAROWEONLINE