Somali security forces on Saturday dismantled Al-Shabaab’s illicit courts during a military operation in the Lower Shabelle region, targeting the group’s illegal checkpoints and sham judicial systems.
The joint operation, conducted by the Somali military, police, and intelligence forces, took place in Ali Mahdi Farm, Beled-Amin, and surrounding areas where Al-Shabaab had established these courts.
The group used them to summon and extort residents.
“We have destroyed the fake courts the group had set up in these areas. From today, it will no longer be possible for them to establish such courts again,” a government official told state media.
The government urged residents to rely on the official judicial systems, assuring them that justice would be served through legitimate courts. “The Khawarij will not be able to reopen their false courts here. I encourage the people to seek justice in government courts,” an officer stated.
This operation follows a similar crackdown last year by the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade, which dismantled Al-Shabaab’s checkpoints and courts in Lower Shabelle, where the group had been extorting civilians.
