Somalia: Federal Minister of Public Works shot dead in Mogadishu

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MOGADISHU, Somalia- Somalia's Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction, Abbas Abdullahi Siraji, was shot dead by government soldiers in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Wednesday evening, Garowe Online reports.

The youngest Minister Abbas was driving his car when bodyguards escorting Auditor General Nur Farah fired at him after suspecting his vehicle, which happened near the heavily guarded Presidential Palace "Villa Somalia" .

Mogadishu Police authorities have cordoned off the scene immediately, and arrested 4 soldiers in connection to the murder. Somalia's Information Minister confirmed the tragedy in a twitter post, however, he didn't give further details on the incident. 

Colonel Hassan Mohamed, a senior Somali Police officer has confirmed to GO the death of the Minister, saying another official who was in the same car has escaped unhurt from the shooting.

Late Siraji, 31, was the youngest Minister in Somalia's new cabinet and has been in office only one month. He grew up and lived in Dadaab refugee camp in northeast Kenya following the collapse of central government in 1991. 

Siraj was also a member of the Federal Parliament, elected in Jubaland region during the past parliamentary elections held in the regional states.

GAROWEONLINE

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