GALKAYO (KAAB TV) – The Somali Military Court on Monday carried out the execution of two convicted members of the Al-Shabaab militant group, following a final ruling that found them guilty of orchestrating a series of targeted killings and ambushes in the Mudug region.
The executed individuals were identified as Anas Abdulqadir Ali Mohamud, also known by the alias “Salman,” and Adan Mursal Mohamed Idow. The executions were conducted in the central city of Galkayo, after the military court sentenced them to death—a sentence that was upheld following the exhaustion of all legal appeals.
According to military officials, the court determined that the two men played leading roles in planning and executing deadly attacks targeting local elders, peace advocates, and prominent figures in the community. These operations, which were part of a broader campaign of violence by Al-Shabaab in the region, aimed to destabilize ongoing reconciliation and peace-building efforts.
“The court found overwhelming and credible evidence that directly linked the convicted individuals to a number of fatal ambushes and bombings, which resulted in the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property,” a statement from the Somali Armed Forces Court read.
Officials also confirmed that both men were active operatives within Al-Shabaab, a group notorious for its use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assassinations, and hit-and-run tactics. While Al-Shabaab is most active in Somalia, it is also known for conducting operations throughout parts of East Africa and the broader Middle East.
In its official statement, the Somali Armed Forces Court emphasized that the implementation of the death sentences is part of a larger strategy by the Federal Government and the Puntland administration to reinforce the rule of law and deter acts of terrorism.
“This sentence is a clear message to militant groups and their sympathizers that acts of terror will not go unpunished,” the court stated. “It also affirms the government’s commitment to securing justice for victims and restoring peace across Somalia.”
Military authorities also noted an increase in the prosecution and execution of Al-Shabaab members found guilty of high-profile crimes. This trend, they said, is intended to bolster public confidence in Somalia’s judicial system while serving as a deterrent against future attacks.
The executions mark another significant step in Somalia’s ongoing battle against terrorism and underscore the military court’s intensified campaign to deliver justice and ensure national stability in the face of persistent insurgent threats.