Hiiraan Online
Saturday February 18, 2017
Mohamed Omar Hagafey (L) was killed in the Hodon district, Hassan Dheere (R) was wounded when gunmen shot at his vehicle as he drove through El Gaab. Mr. Dheere's bodyguard was killed in the attack
Mogadishuu (HOL) - Al Shabaab militants targeted two government officials in two separate drive-by shootings in the capital Mogadishu on Saturday.
A vehicle carrying Hassan Dheere was sprayed with bullets as he drove through the by El-Gab in the Hamarweyne neighbourhood, close by the Presidential Palace.
Mr. Dheere escaped the attempt on his life, however, witnesses report that his bodyguard was killed.
Meanwhile, across town, another drive-by shooting targeted a civilian vehicle as it drove by the Digfir Hospital in Hodon district.
Mohamed Omar Hagafey, the former spokesperson for the Himin and Heeb administration was killed in the attack, according to local sources.
Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for both shootings. The group has killed many government officials in similar targeted attacks in recent years.
UPDATE: Security forces have said that they pursued suspects in connection with the drive-by shootings that happened earlier today in Mogadishu.
Three suspects ditched their getaway car and hopped over a wall before escaping. Security forces have seized the vehicle.
