A massive blast rocked the restive city of Galkacyo in central Somalia. The explosion was said to be targeting senior officials of the autonomous Puntland regional administration.
Local contacts revealed the blast occurred in the periphery of the administrative headquarters for the Puntland regional state in the city of Galkacyo.
The governor of Mudug province Ahmed Muse Nuur and his personal guards where the intended targets of the blast. The governor and other local officials adjourned a meeting in the administrative headquarters shortly before the blast.
According to sources a suspected Militant driving a three wheel motor bike commonly referred to as a tuk-tuk reportedly rammed his motorbike into the vehicle of Governor Ahmed Muse Nuur, killing the governor instantly. Three of the governors personnel body guards perished in the blast as well.
The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, leaving no survivors. Some local media outlets claimed the governors brother was also killed in the blast. However the Halgan Media service desk is unable to verify the accuracy of those claims.
The Al Qaeda affiliated Militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement published online the pro militant website dubbed Somali Memo . The assassination of Mudug Governor Ahmed Muse Nuur leaves more questions than answers as public backlash continues to grow.
How could it be possible that the militants knew the governors exact location ? How was a motorbike laden with explosives able to get so close to the governors vehicle without being stopped or even detected ? Who tipped off the militants about the governors itinerary ?
This latest assassination of Mudug governor Ahmed Muse Nuur comes several weeks after a similar assassination of the governor of Nugaal province by insurgents.
A near fatal terrorist attack was also foiled last week in the coastal city of Bosaaso after a gun battle between security forces and ISIS militants.
The autonomous Puntland regional state of Somalia is yet present any concrete initiatives to tackle the growing insecurity in the region as the militancy gains ground following a spat of targeted killings and bombings.
Halgan Media Service Desk
Contact : info@halganmedia.net
