Breaking News: Traditional elder gunned down in Baladweyn

Unidentified men armed with pistols have killed a prominent elder in Baladweyn, the provincial headquarters of Hiraan.

Omar Garweyne has succumbed to the gun shots on the spot, while the assailants managed to flee the scene.

The slain elder was well respected and took part in the tribal reconciliation efforts there.

No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack.

Government forces are now conducting search operations and said they are hot in the heels of the perpetrators.

This is the fourth high profile killing of traditional elder in Baladwein since March this year.