Saturday August 17, 2024
Ten Al-Shabaab militants stand before their execution by firing squad in Galkayo, Puntland, on Saturday morning, following their conviction for the murder of civilians and officials. This mass execution marks one of the largest in the region's recent history, raising significant questions about Puntland's security measures and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Galkayo (HOL) — Puntland authorities executed ten members of the Al-Shabaab militant group by firing squad in Galkayo on Saturday morning, marking the second-largest execution in the city's recent history.
The executions followed death sentences issued by the Puntland military court after the militants were convicted of murdering civilians and officials in Galkayo nearly three years ago.
Authorities have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to their capture. However, it remains unclear if the reward was paid for the recapture of one of the escapees, Barkhad Awil Hirsi, who was apprehended earlier this week.
The escape has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Puntland's prison security measures, especially given that this is the second high-profile escape from the facility in two years.