Mogadishu – The Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, General Mahad Abdirahman Adan (commonly known as Taliye Shub), has revealed that some soldiers who recently deserted the frontlines have returned to Mogadishu and were found selling the weapons they had used in combat.

Speaking at a ceremony in Mogadishu, Taliye Shub stated that those who fled from the frontlines were not allowed to freely return to the capital, and strict disciplinary measures have been taken against them. He said some of the deserters had been arrested and jailed, others were returned to the frontlines, and a few more are still being pursued.

“The cowards who fled from the battlefield — men are separated at the frontlines. We did not allow them to settle in Mogadishu. We arrested them from their homes, prosecuted them, and sent them to prison. No mercy will be shown,” said Taliye Shub.

The commander explained that the punishment for desertion is based on military law, which allows for harsh penalties, including death in extreme cases. However, he clarified that execution would not be easily applied.

“Military law states that a soldier who deserts the battlefield can be sentenced to death. Since implementing capital punishment is not simple, we are instead enforcing imprisonment, disciplinary action, and suspension of rights,” he added.

Taliye Shub also noted that there is a wide effort underway to reorganize and restore the strength of the force. He said some of the deserters are still on the run and being tracked. He emphasized that recent victories in battle have been made possible by the courage and resilience of soldiers who remain at the frontlines.

These remarks come at a time when Somalia faces a highly sensitive security situation, with heavy fighting ongoing in several areas in southern Somalia. The Federal Government has intensified its operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, deploying various security forces to active battlefronts, especially in the Middle Shabelle region.