Caaqil News - In a significant development in Somalia's ongoing fight against terrorism, the Military Court of the Somali Armed Forces today handed down heavy sentences to a group accused of being part of an Al-Shabaab terror cell. The accused were charged with orchestrating targeted assassinations and bombings across Mogadishu and its surrounding areas.
The court's verdict came after an extensive intelligence-led operation by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) conducted in August 2024, which resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of weapons, including pistols and hand grenades.
The Military Court, which has jurisdiction over matters of national security, found the accused guilty of playing key roles in terrorist activities that have claimed the lives of civilians, government officials, and security personnel.
Convictions and Sentences
After weeks of detailed proceedings and review of the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court issued the following sentences:
- Mohamed Nur Ali (aka Abdimajid): 10 years in military prison
- Abdullahi Hussein Mohamed: 10 years in military prison
- Deeqow Aden Barre: 10 years in military prison
- Abdishakur Abdiqadir Mohamed (alias “Webka”): 8 years in terrorism prison
- Farhan Aden Hassan: 5 years in military prison
- Hassan Ali Ciire Kulow: Released due to lack of evidence
The court determined that the accused had direct involvement in orchestrating or supporting terrorist acts that endangered public safety and undermined national stability.
The Role of the Accused
The prosecution presented compelling evidence linking the suspects to a string of assassinations and bomb attacks carried out in Mogadishu in 2024. According to court documents, Mohamed Nur Ali, Abdullahi Hussein, and Deeqow Aden were central figures in planning and executing operations on behalf of the Al-Shabaab network. Their roles allegedly included coordinating logistics, surveilling targets, and overseeing execution.
Meanwhile, Abdishakur Mohamed (Webka) was said to be part of the explosives division of the group. Prosecutors revealed that he was responsible for assembling and programming improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including those detonated remotely. His technical expertise enabled the cell to carry out sophisticated attacks on government installations and crowded civilian areas.
Farhan Aden Hassan was identified as a key planner within the assassination wing of the Al-Shabaab cell. He reportedly provided intelligence on target movements, enabling hit squads to eliminate political, military, and civilian figures deemed enemies of the group.
On the other hand, Hassan Ali Ciire Kulow was acquitted of all charges. He had been accused of being a support agent for the terror group, possibly assisting in logistics and communications. However, the court ruled that the evidence presented did not meet the threshold required for conviction.
The Intelligence Operation: A Major Victory for NISA
The successful prosecution of the terror cell stems from a carefully planned and executed intelligence operation by NISA. In August 2024, NISA operatives carried out simultaneous raids on three separate locations in Mogadishu. The suspects were apprehended without significant resistance, and security forces recovered multiple weapons, including small arms and improvised explosive devices.
According to NISA's official statement, the intelligence agency had been monitoring the group for months, collecting digital communications, tracking movements, and coordinating with international partners to build a comprehensive case.
A senior NISA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
This cell was preparing a wave of coordinated attacks across the capital. Our operation was not just about arrests; it was about dismantling an entire network before they could carry out their deadly plans.”
Military Court Sends Strong Message to Terror Groups
Delivering the verdict, the Chief Judge of the Military Court, General Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, underscored the seriousness of the crimes and reiterated the court's zero-tolerance policy for terrorism-related offenses.
“The country is still at war with a ruthless enemy. Every tool of the state, including the legal system, must be employed to defend our people,” Judge Shuute declared in his statement.
He continued:
The Somali people have suffered enough. Those who conspire to kill, maim, and terrorize innocent civilians will face the full weight of the law. There will be no leniency, no compromise.”
Judge Shuute called on all government agencies and community leaders to work closely together in identifying and rooting out extremist ideologies and activities.
Public Reaction and Significance
The sentencing has been widely welcomed by the public, particularly by families of victims of Al-Shabaab’s attacks. Many citizens have taken to social media to express relief that justice was served, hoping that such court decisions will deter future attacks.
“Justice has finally been done,” said Maryan Ahmed, a relative of a soldier who was killed in a targeted shooting in 2023. “For years we’ve waited to see these criminals held accountable. Today brings a little bit of closure.”
Security analysts have also praised the ruling, noting that it demonstrates the government’s growing capacity to conduct complex intelligence operations and successfully prosecute those responsible for terrorism.
“This verdict shows that Somalia is turning a corner in its legal fight against terrorism,” said Dr. Abdirahman Osman, a regional security expert. “It also sends a clear message to Al-Shabaab operatives hiding in plain sight — they are being watched, and justice is coming.”
Al-Shabaab's Urban Networks Under Pressure
Although Al-Shabaab remains active in rural parts of central and southern Somalia, the group has increasingly relied on covert urban cells to carry out attacks in cities. These cells often consist of a small group of well-trained individuals who operate in secrecy and avoid detection by frequently changing locations and using unregistered communication devices.
The disruption of such a cell is considered a major blow to the group’s strategy. According to intelligence reports, the arrested individuals were part of a larger structure embedded in Mogadishu and had contacts across various neighborhoods, enabling them to move arms and personnel discreetly.
Security officials believe that continuing to uncover and dismantle these networks is essential for ensuring the capital’s long-term security.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Judicial and Security Cooperation
The court’s decision also highlights the need to enhance coordination between the judiciary and security forces. The seamless cooperation between NISA, prosecutors, and the Military Court in this case has been cited as a model for future counterterrorism efforts.
Calls are growing for the government to invest more in forensic technology, witness protection programs, and intelligence-sharing frameworks to build even stronger cases against terrorist suspects.
Somalia’s international partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, have also expressed support for the government’s ongoing judicial reforms and counterterrorism efforts.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Justice and Stability
The sentencing of this Al-Shabaab terror cell marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. As the nation strives to build a peaceful and democratic future, holding accountable those who perpetrate violence is not just a legal necessity — it is a moral one.
While challenges remain, particularly in remote regions where the government’s control is limited, today’s court ruling affirms that progress is being made. Somalia’s institutions, though still evolving, are increasingly proving capable of delivering justice and safeguarding the rule of law.
For citizens who have endured years of violence, instability, and fear, this moment is one of vindication and cautious optimism.
