Tuesday January 28, 2025
FILE – A composite image featuring two Somali social media influencers, Mohamed Yacqub Siyad (left) and Ali Ahmed Ali (Iley) (right), who were sentenced in absentia by Puntland’s Military Court for allegedly supporting ISIS propaganda online.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Puntland’s Military Court has sentenced two prominent social media personalities, Mohamed Yacqub Siyad and Ali Ahmed Ali, known as Iley, to prison terms of 10 and 5 years, respectively, after convicting them of supporting the ISIS militant group online.
Mohamed Yacqub Siyad and Ali Ahmed Ali, widely known as Iley, were sentenced to absentia for 10 and 5 years respectively. Both were convicted of using their online platforms to promote ISIS propaganda and spread disinformation aimed at discrediting Puntland’s ongoing military operations in the Calmiskaad Mountains, a known militant stronghold. The court noted that Siyad resides in Germany, while Ali is based in Sweden.
“The verdict underscores Puntland’s commitment to addressing terrorism not only on the battlefield but also in the digital realm,” a government spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the region is determined to take action against individuals and groups undermining counterterrorism efforts through misinformation.
The ruling reflects a regional push to curb the influence of extremist groups like ISIS, which have increasingly relied on social media to recruit followers, disseminate propaganda, and coordinate operations. Puntland, which has been at the forefront of Somalia’s fight against terrorism, has recently intensified military campaigns to uproot militants from rugged areas like the Calmiskaad Mountains.
While the ruling marks a major step in Puntland’s legal approach to countering extremism, questions remain about its enforcement. Extraditing the two men to serve their sentences may prove difficult, given their current locations in Europe. Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent for how Somali regional administrations address the misuse of digital platforms by individuals operating abroad.
Puntland has been a focal point in Somalia’s battle against ISIS, particularly in the northeastern regions where the group has established a foothold. Somalia-based militant groups have been adept at utilizing social media platforms for propaganda, recruitment, and coordination. The group has maintained a robust online presence, using platforms like Twitter and Telegram to disseminate messages, attract recruits, and communicate with supporters. Their sophisticated media strategy includes producing high-quality videos and engaging in real-time communication during attacks.
