Tuesday September 1, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali National Army (SNA) has launched a preliminary investigation into soldiers accused of circulating a video on social media showing the abuse of a prisoner of war during an operation against al-Shabab.
In a statement Monday, the SNA command said the alleged act clearly violates military conduct rules, military procedures and international laws of war, particularly those concerning the protection of prisoners of war.
“The ongoing investigation would establish the facts of the incident and identify those responsible for the conduct shown in the video,” the army added.
The video, which circulated on social media, showed an al-Shabab prisoner being severely abused by government soldiers. In the footage, soldiers are seen placing a bag over the prisoner’s head and strangling him.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for the government to bring the soldiers involved to justice.
