The two defendants, whose name have been released as Mohamed Abdi Salaad Nuur and Ga’al Mohamed Ali Mohamed were arrested in security operation carried out in Somali capital Mogadishu.

The military court said Nour and Mohamed had been found guilty of being members of Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group, battling the weak-western backed government of Somalia.

In a statement, the court said Nour had joined in the Islamist group of Al Shabaab in 2015 and was based in small town of Gambole in Middle Shabelle.

Mohamed, a barber, who was also accused of living his friend Nour in Gambole town, had been sentenced to 3-years in jail, according to a statement by the military court.

The defendants denied all charges.

Two suspected Al-Shabaab operatives were arrested in February 13 and April 14 in this year following security operation in Somali capital Mogadishu.