Somalia Executes Two Soldiers Convicted of Aiding al-Shabaab in Commander’s Killing   

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Two members of the Somali National Army (SNA) were executed, Monday, following convictions by the Armed Forces Court over links with the al-Shabaab fighters, a group that has destabilized peace in the country for two decades.

The two, the court established, worked closely with the al-Shabaab fighters in killing a senior army officer. They were placed on the murder scene as the court issued a death sentence, sending a strong warning to rogue soldiers working with Al-Shabaab fighters.

Mohamed Hussein Buule and Aadan Isaaq Yarow, alias Salaad Koofi, were convicted for the death of the army officer and served in the famous 14th October Brigade, named after a deadly attack in Mogadishu that left over 600 people dead.

Military prosecutors said the men were found to have worked with Al-Shabaab operatives and were directly involved in the assassination of Aydiid Mohamed Ali, commander of the 83rd unit. The commander was a ranking officer within the Somali National Army.

Court documents indicate that the commander was when a mine planted by the soldiers exploded under his bed, killing him instantly. The Armed Court had sentenced them to death via firing squad, leading to their execution, Monday.

The sentence was carried out today under Somalia’s military penal code. This comes amid heightened campaigns against the Al-Shabaab militants, who have lost some large swathes before regaining them in recent months.

According to the court, Mohamed Hussein Bule and Adan Isaq Yarow admitted facilitating the killing of a commander in exchange for money. Aydiid Mohamed Ali died on July 15 after the deadly incident in the military camp.

They have also provided al-Shabaab with valuable intelligence information about the 14 October brigade, and on occasions led their unit into danger, per the military court. This goes against the military protocols, the military court further said.

GAROWE ONLINE