Security agent killed in drive-by shootings in Mogadishu

Unidentified gunmen have shot and killed in a drive-by attack Somali intelegence officer in Mogadishu on Sunday, officials and witnesses have said.

Mahad Farah, 40, was killed in El-gaabta of Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district after gunmen travelling in a car blocked his way, spraying bullets on his car, according to witnesses.

Hamarweyne district commissioner, Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir confirmed the incident saying the officer was killed at El-gaabta junction.

“After the incident the security forces reached the area and launched operation to pursue the perpetrators who shot dead the officer” said Abdikadir

The armed men managed to flee the scene after conducting the drive-by shooting.

No group has immediately claimed the responsibility for the attack.

The attack comes less than 24 hours after unknown gunmen shot dead five people in two separate drive-by shooting attacks in Mogadishu.

Despite being forced out of many of their strongholds, Al-Shabab rebels still launch lethal attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia, often targeting African Union troops and government officials.