Somalia: Turk, Azerbaijani volunteers murder earns condemnation

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed that one of its nationals operating in Mogadishu was among six people killed in drive-by shooting on Wednesday afternoon, Garowe Online reports.

The Turk and Azerbaijani colleague identified as—Hidir Calha and Banu Kemaliye—were murdered after unidentified assailants opened fire on their minibus at Taleh junction in Mogadishu’s Hodon district.

Other victims included driver, security guard and translator according to Turkish sources reached online.

Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has strongly condemned the killing of Turkish volunteer doctors as ‘cowardly’.

“We share the pain with our brotherly Turkey whose nationals were victimized while aiding our people. We deeply mourn with our Turkish brothers,” said Prime Minister Sharmarke on visit to the northeastern State of Puntland.

The Prime Minister called on the public to cooperate with security agencies on apprehending terrorists impeding Somalia progress.

Meanwhile, International Non Profit Humanitarian Aid and Development Organization, KYM, conveyed similar condemnation over the killing of humanitarian workers in Mogadishu.

“We strongly condemn the attack and express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” read a tweet from KYM International.

Turkey maintains huge presence in Mogadishu where Turkish agencies keep a raft of infrastructure projects and schools running.

On Wednesday, Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Olgan Bakar and former envoy and Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Bursa deputy Kani Torun visited Puntland for talks with President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.