Abdisaid Muse Ali, Somalia‘s Foreign Minister, claims to have escaped an assassination attempt by regional government forces in the north-eastern state of Puntland.
Ali said he was on vacation in Galkayo when a provincial police commander ordered local security men “to attack us” late Thursday.
He claimed the assassination attempt occurred when his family was eating iftar, a Ramadan meal served after sundown hosted by a local traditional elder.
“I strongly condemn violence as a means to political ends and will hold all involved accountable by all means necessary,” he said
Ahmed Karash, the deputy leader of Puntland, condemned the incident and promised an investigation.
According to reports, the attack on the minister resulted in the death of one soldier and the injuries of three others.
The event occurred amid rising tensions and a drawn-out political process tainted by allegations of fraud and irregularities.
Details later….