Al Shabaab execute four men accused of spying in Somalia

Al Shabaab has carried out executions, floggings and amputations after summary trials in cases ranging from espionage to theft. (Photo: AP)

Al Shabaab militants in Somalia publicly beheaded four men accused of spying for the country's Western-backed government, the United States and neighboring Kenya, residents in the south of the Horn of Africa country said.

The al Qaeda-linked group confirmed the executions, which took place on Sunday after the men were found guilty by an al Shabaab court in Jamame district of lower Jubba region, some 70 km (43 miles) north of Kismayu.