2 July 2018: Al-Shabab has executed an elder who was accused of taking part 2016 elections, residents confirmed Monday.

Abshir Nur Hussein publicly executed by a firing squad Monday in the town of Gamboole in Middle Shabelle region.

Reports say Hussein was arrested three months ago, over allegations of being among electoral delegates who elected the current parliament in 2016.

An Al-Shabaab judge convicted him based on his alleged confession

The judge did not release evidence of the accusation against the victim.

Residents who sought anonymity said Al-Shabaab fighters rounded up residents of the town to witness the killing by a firing squad.

It is not the first time, the group has executed its fighters most of them foreigners, local residents, and captured Somali forces.

Al-Shabab has been fighting for years to drive out African Union peacekeepers and topple the central government.

Al-Shabab Executes Traditional Elder in Middle Shabelle Region