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Somalia jails militant disguised in army uniform on terrorism charges

A military court sentenced a man convicted of being a member of the Al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab group who has been detained wearing a military uniform to fifteen years in jail on terrorism charges.

A military court sentenced a man convicted of being a member of the Al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab group who has been detained wearing a military uniform to fifteen years in jail on terrorism charges.

Somali security forces captured Ali Mohamed Abdullahi disguised in a military uniform from a street in the capital Mogadishu in May. Soldiers also discovered bombs, AK47 gun and ammunition he was carrying at the time of his arrest.

According to an affidavit submitted by the prosecuting attorney, Abdullahi who joined al-Shabab from his hometown of Sakow, southwestern Somalia in 2013 was plotting to kill a security soldier to no avail on the fateful day he was arrested by intelligence officers.

He was also convicted over his roles in attacks on army bases, largely in Lower Shabelle region where he allegedly operated as a foot soldier just before he was included into al-Shabab’s death squad that carries out assasinations across Mogadishu and beyond.

The military judge also found him guilty of charges including criminal conspiracy, killings, attempted murder, and illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, and ruled of a 15-year jail-term sentence against him.

Abdullahi showed no signs or remorse as the judge read out his verdict and closed Tuesday’s trial. The judge has also ordered the release of three other men acquitted of various criminal charges.

According to the judge, Abdullahi has another opportunity to file an appeal.

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