Somali military court sentences 2 foreigners over terror links

MOGADISHU, Somalia

A military court in Somalia on Thursday sentenced two foreigners to 15 years in jail for their role as members of the al-Shabaab terrorist group, according to the state-run Somalia National TV.

They were convicted of fanning "violent extremism" in the Horn of Africa country by recruiting foreigners in the group.

The two were identified as 44-year-old Dereton Antonio Perez, a British citizen, and Ahmed Mustaqim bin Abdihamid, 34, a Malaysian. They have been allowed to file an appeal within 30 days.

Al-Shabaab has in the past used skilled foreigners in their activities across Somalia, and has killed thousands of civilians and security personnel in brutal attacks. The government continues with intensive operations against the group that is affiliated with al-Qaeda.