Somalia Executes Al-Shabab Militants by Firing Squad for Attacks in Puntland  

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A Somali military court on Monday executed two men in Mogadishu after convicting them of terrorism-related offenses, including orchestrating assassinations and planting explosives on behalf of the militant group Al-Shabab.

The court identified the men as Anas Abdiqadir Ali Mahmoud, also known as “Salman,” and Adan Mursal Mohamed Iidow. They were found guilty of planning and carrying out attacks in Galkayo, a city in the northern Puntland region, where several prominent community elders and leaders were killed.

In a detailed judgment, the court concluded the pair was responsible for planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and coordinating targeted killings of civilians and military officers. The court issued a death sentence, which was carried out immediately.

Military officials said the executions serve as a warning to those involved in terrorism and insecurity. Al-Shabab’s presence in Puntland — Somalia’s most stable federal state — is minimal, with the group largely operating in the country’s southern regions.

Authorities said the two men targeted traditional elders, who play a key role in Somalia’s governance and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Puntland is currently conducting military operations against Islamic State militants in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. The offensive, which began in December 2024, has resulted in numerous militant deaths and the capture of strategic caves used as hideouts, officials said.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing the state from extremist threats. The U.S. Africa Command continues to support local forces in tracking and targeting militant strongholds.

GAROWE ONLINE