MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s military court announced the execution of two federal government soldiers on Monday in the Lower Shabelle region, after they were found guilty of assassinating their commander in a premeditated attack last month.
The court identified the executed soldiers as Mohamed Hussein Bule and Adan Isaq Yarow, both serving under the Somali National Army in the 14 October Brigade.
According to court documents, the two men conspired to kill Major Aydid Mohamed Ali, commander of the 83rd Battalion, by planting an explosive device beneath his bed on July 15 in the Sabiid area. The blast killed Major Ali instantly.
Prosecutors said the defendants admitted to receiving payment in exchange for carrying out the killing and to providing al-Shabaab militants with sensitive intelligence regarding military operations.
The court also heard evidence that Bule and Yarow, on several occasions, deliberately led their unit into dangerous situations that exposed them to militant attacks.
Military court officials stated that the actions of the two soldiers amounted to treason and collaboration with the enemy, making the death penalty the appropriate sentence under Somali military law.
The executions took place in Sabiid and Anole, two locations within the Lower Shabelle region, and were carried out in accordance with the court’s ruling.
The Somali National Army continues to battle al-Shabaab insurgents across multiple fronts, with government forces and their allies aiming to secure liberated areas in southern and central Somalia.
