Somali Military Court Executes Two Al-Shabaab Members Convicted of Targeted Killings Mogadishu, Somalia – September 1, 2025 The Somali Military Court on Monday morning carried out the death penalty against two convicted members of the militant group Al-Shabaab. The execution was conducted following a legal process that had sentenced the two men to death for their involvement in targeted assassinations and ambush attacks that claimed the lives of innocent civilians in Mogadishu. The executed individuals were identified as Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (also known as Maaxi, Yoonis) and Ibrahim Aden Madeey. Both men had previously been found guilty of participating in the killing of prominent civilians and playing active roles in Al-Shabaab’s assassination units. According to court officials, the convicts were directly linked to operations that specifically targeted respected community members, including professionals and public figures, whose deaths were aimed at spreading fear within society. Legal Process and Verdict Officials from the Military Court confirmed that the executions were not arbitrary but rather followed months of investigation, hearings, and a thorough review of evidence presented by Somali security agencies. Witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and confessions were all part of the trial, ensuring that the verdict was consistent with Somalia’s legal framework. The court emphasized that the principle of qisaas (retribution) under Islamic law was applied in this case, granting justice to the victims’ families. According to Somali law, capital punishment can be imposed in cases where individuals are found guilty of serious crimes such as premeditated murder and terrorism-related acts. Growing Crackdown on Al-Shabaab The Somali Military Court has in recent years increased its prosecution and execution of Al-Shabaab operatives. These actions come as part of a broader national strategy to dismantle the group’s operational capacity and deter future attacks. Over the past months, multiple Al-Shabaab fighters have faced trial and received severe sentences, ranging from lengthy imprisonment to capital punishment. The Somali government has consistently reiterated its commitment to restoring peace, stability, and justice, with military courts playing a central role in holding militants accountable for their crimes. Security analysts note that Al-Shabaab has for years carried out targeted assassinations, often focusing on government officials, security personnel, journalists, elders, and other influential figures. These attacks are designed to weaken confidence in the state and intimidate the public. By executing convicted perpetrators, the government hopes to demonstrate both its resolve and capacity to enforce justice. Public and International Reactions Public reaction to the executions remains divided. Some Somalis, particularly families of victims, welcomed the court’s decision, seeing it as long-awaited justice. Others argue that while justice is necessary, long-term solutions such as deradicalization programs, stronger governance, and improved socio-economic conditions are equally important to address the root causes of extremism. International human rights organizations have often raised concerns over the use of the death penalty in Somalia, urging authorities to ensure that all trials meet fair standards. However, Somali officials maintain that the trials conducted by the Military Court adhere to legal procedures and that the punishment is reserved only for the most serious crimes. Conclusion The execution of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Ibrahim Aden Madeey marks another chapter in Somalia’s ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. While the government continues to face challenges in countering extremist violence, the enforcement of justice through the courts signals a determination to protect civilians and restore security across the country. As Somalia works toward long-term peace, balancing justice, accountability, and reconciliation will remain at the heart of its struggle against terrorism.

 

Mogadishu, Somalia – September 1, 2025

The Somali Military Court on Monday morning carried out the death penalty against two convicted members of the militant group Al-Shabaab. The execution was conducted following a legal process that had sentenced the two men to death for their involvement in targeted assassinations and ambush attacks that claimed the lives of innocent civilians in Mogadishu.

The executed individuals were identified as Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (also known as Maaxi, Yoonis) and Ibrahim Aden Madeey. Both men had previously been found guilty of participating in the killing of prominent civilians and playing active roles in Al-Shabaab’s assassination units. According to court officials, the convicts were directly linked to operations that specifically targeted respected community members, including professionals and public figures, whose deaths were aimed at spreading fear within society.

Legal Process and Verdict

Officials from the Military Court confirmed that the executions were not arbitrary but rather followed months of investigation, hearings, and a thorough review of evidence presented by Somali security agencies. Witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and confessions were all part of the trial, ensuring that the verdict was consistent with Somalia’s legal framework.

The court emphasized that the principle of qisaas (retribution) under Islamic law was applied in this case, granting justice to the victims’ families. According to Somali law, capital punishment can be imposed in cases where individuals are found guilty of serious crimes such as premeditated murder and terrorism-related acts.

Growing Crackdown on Al-Shabaab

The Somali Military Court has in recent years increased its prosecution and execution of Al-Shabaab operatives. These actions come as part of a broader national strategy to dismantle the group’s operational capacity and deter future attacks.

Over the past months, multiple Al-Shabaab fighters have faced trial and received severe sentences, ranging from lengthy imprisonment to capital punishment. The Somali government has consistently reiterated its commitment to restoring peace, stability, and justice, with military courts playing a central role in holding militants accountable for their crimes.

Security analysts note that Al-Shabaab has for years carried out targeted assassinations, often focusing on government officials, security personnel, journalists, elders, and other influential figures. These attacks are designed to weaken confidence in the state and intimidate the public. By executing convicted perpetrators, the government hopes to demonstrate both its resolve and capacity to enforce justice.

Public and International Reactions

Public reaction to the executions remains divided. Some Somalis, particularly families of victims, welcomed the court’s decision, seeing it as long-awaited justice. Others argue that while justice is necessary, long-term solutions such as deradicalization programs, stronger governance, and improved socio-economic conditions are equally important to address the root causes of extremism.

International human rights organizations have often raised concerns over the use of the death penalty in Somalia, urging authorities to ensure that all trials meet fair standards. However, Somali officials maintain that the trials conducted by the Military Court adhere to legal procedures and that the punishment is reserved only for the most serious crimes.

Conclusion

The execution of Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and Ibrahim Aden Madeey marks another chapter in Somalia’s ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. While the government continues to face challenges in countering extremist violence, the enforcement of justice through the courts signals a determination to protect civilians and restore security across the country.

As Somalia works toward long-term peace, balancing justice, accountability, and reconciliation will remain at the heart of its struggle against terrorism.