Somalia: SNA Probes Video of Soldiers Suffocating Bound Al-Shabaab Suspect

The Somali National Army (SNA) launched a preliminary probe on Tuesday following the circulation of a video showing its soldiers allegedly abusing a man in custody during an operation against Al-Shabaab, according to a statement from the SNAF Command. The footage, widely shared online, depicts uniformed men surrounding a young man, placing a plastic bag over his head, and apparently suffocating him, sparking widespread condemnation.

The SNAF Command emphasized that the incident violates its Code of Conduct and the laws of armed conflict. While the investigation aims to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible, the military refrained from naming any soldiers or disclosing the incident's location, timing, or the suspect's identity or current condition.

Any personnel found guilty of violating prisoner-of-war protections or human rights standards will face both legal and military disciplinary action, the statement emphasized. Rights monitors and international law experts have highlighted that mistreatment of detainees during counter-insurgency operations can undermine battlefield legitimacy and cooperation with foreign backers.

The SNAF has not confirmed whether any soldiers have been arrested or suspended pending the investigation's outcome. This case unfolds as Somali government troops and allied fighters intensify their offensive against Al-Shabaab across multiple regions as part of a broader campaign to reclaim territory from the militant group.