Suspected Al-Shabaab militants assassinate ex-official in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Suspected Al-Shabaab militants killed a former senior official in Somalia on Wednesday, sources confirmed, in the latest spate of terror attacks targeting innocent civilians, security forces, and senior government officials in the Horn of Africa nation.

Faqay Abdulle Mayow, who was the former deputy commissioner of administration and finance in Awdhegle District within Lower Shabelle, was killed at Hamarjab district by suspected Al-Shabaab gunmen, who opened fire before disappearing to an unknown location.

A few minutes after the unfortunate incident, a number of federal government troops arrived at the scene, but the suspects managed to escape to an unknown destination. So far, nobody has been arrested with regard to the incident, which could trigger emotions in the country.

His death also comes a few days after the similar assassination of Abdi Ahmed Yusuf alias Afar Sheegle, who was former deputy governor of security and politics in the Lower Shabelle region. He was assassinated by a suicide bomber near Somalia's Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mogadishu.

Preliminary investigations show Ahmed Yusuf was killed by a suicide who targeted a densely populated area, leaving several soldiers and guards dead. The government of Somalia with assistance from members of the international community, who have been instrumental in the Al-Shabaab crackdown.

In the next few weeks, the government will be launching the second phase of operations against the group, with the main focus being Jubaland and Southwest states. The first phase targeted Galmadug and HirShabelle states and reportedly left over 3,000 militants dead.

Al-Shabaab has been targeting officials in the country for suicide bombings, leaving quite a number of them dead. Somalia has been unstable for the last three decades, but there is the hope of restoring peace and stability in the coming months due to a concerted effort to neutralize the group.

GAROWE ONLINE