Jowhar (SD) – Hirshabelle State MP was shot dead in Bal ‘ad district of middle Shabelle region, while traveling to Mogadishu on Saturday according to local media reports.

Relatives of the MP confirmed the deceased was Mohamed Mohamoud Siad and that he assassinated in the Yaqle area under Bal ‘ad.

Al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the killing, announcing that the group’s fighters had removed him from the car he was traveling on to Mogadishu.

Hirshabelle Parliament Speaker Sheikh Osman Barre Mohamed issued a statement on the killing of the MP and sent condolences to the family of the murdered MP.

The Hirshabelle Speaker warned MPs and other government officials of the dangers of terrorist groups in Hirshabelle region of the country.

Security on the road linking Mogadishu and Jowhar has been relatively poor in recent times.

Al-Shabab has carried out several attacks on the same roadway in recent months, killing some of the Hirshabelle administration officials.