Somalia: Third Puntland official killed in Bosaso in two weeks

BOSASO, Puntland- The Attorney General of Puntland Military Courts, AbdiKarim Hasan Fidiye was reported killed by assailants on Sunday in Bossaso, the commercial city of Puntland region, Garowe Online reports.

Reports said that unidentified gunmen have shot dead the official near the Police headquarter in Bosaso city in Bari region. The perpetrators have fled the scene before the arrival of the Police authorities, according to an eyewitness.

The reason behind the killing of Fidiye is unclear, as no group has claimed responsibility for the attack against the official.

The incident is the latest in series of assassinations against government officials in Bosaso in the past two weeks.

Earlier, gunmen have killed the third deputy commander of Puntalnd Police Forces and the Director of Presidential Palace, whereas authorities are still conducting search operations to capture the culprits.

However, sources indicate that Fidiye was assassinated on his way to the Police headquarter following an interview with local station.

Two suspects were captured by civilians in the area, in connection to the murder but sources couldn’t verify if they were the culprits behind the assassination.

On the other hand, The Chief Judge of Puntland Military courts, General Saed Abyan Igaal, has spoken to GO over the phone and expressed condolence to the family and military courts for the killing of the official.  

Igaal confirmed to GO that Fidiye was targeted when he left the military court headquarter, but couldn’t confirm if the suspect were arrested and stated further details will be released following the investigations.  

The security situation in Bossaso city has gradually deteriorated in the past weeks amid weak government policy to counter terrorism and lack of salary payments to the security forces for over months.   

GAROWEONLINE