In a chilling act of violence that has unsettled the typically peaceful city of Garowe, unidentified gunmen shot and killed two civilians late last night in the Puntland capital.
The incident occurred in the middle of the night when an armed group ambushed and fatally shot two men in Garowe. According to sources, one of the victims was a hotel security guard, while the other was a civilian relative of his.
Eyewitnesses and hotel management reported that the attackers shot both victims in the head and back before fleeing the scene swiftly. The killings took place alarmingly close to key government institutions, including the Nugaal Regional Court and the offices of the regional administration.
Puntland police forces have yet to apprehend the perpetrators. However, they stated that investigations are ongoing and that they are actively pursuing leads to identify and capture those responsible.
Family members of the deceased have reportedly refused to proceed with the burials until the government brings the culprits to justice—a move that highlights the growing public frustration over insecurity and impunity.
Garowe has long been regarded as one of the more stable and secure cities in Somalia, rarely experiencing targeted killings of this nature. In the past, most violent incidents in the area were linked to drug-related activity. However, this brazen attack near government buildings has deeply shaken the local community and raised serious concerns about the city’s security.
