Thursday July 24, 2025
Garowe (HOL) — At least two Garowe local government tax
officials were killed and three others seriously injured after a Puntland
security officer opened fire on a Brobax vehicle they were boarding in the
city on Monday.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the
seizure of a Bajaj motorcycle by local government officers over unpaid taxes.
Witnesses said the suspect became enraged and opened fire, killing the driver
and one tax officer on the spot.
The gunman, identified as a member of the Godir Brigade of
the Puntland Dervish militia, fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Security forces in Garowe have since launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Medical sources confirmed that several of the injured
sustained serious wounds and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in
Garowe.
The fatal shooting has raised alarm about the rising number
of violent incidents in Garowe involving members of the security forces. Local
residents and officials have repeatedly called for accountability and stricter
control over armed personnel operating in civilian areas.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the
motive behind the shooting or whether the suspect had prior disciplinary
issues.