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Deadly Explosion killed Puntland’s Justice Official

Hiiraan Online Staff
Saturday, April 16, 2011

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An explosion in the North of the city of Galkaayo on Saturday led to the death of the director of Puntland’s ministry of constitution, justice and religious affairs, Sheikh Ismail Haashi. Eye witnesses told Hiiraan Online.

The explosion that is said to have rocked Israac neighbouhood of Galkaayo on Saturday also left two villagers severely injured. A land mine is reportedly said to have been planted on the way of the ministry official at a time when he was inside a vehicle.

The mine blast which had exploded with a loud bang occurred in front of the former South-Central Mudug region headquarters of Galcom Telecommunication Company.Puntland officials who declined to comment about the blast said they are conducting a go-getting investigation saying they have detained several suspects whom they are now questioning over the matter.

Local villagers told Hiraan Online that, the renowned religious leader was on Friday seen addressing a congregation at a Mosque in the North of Galkayo. During his mosque speech, Sheikh Haashi is reported to have talked about the increasing explosions in Puntland, saying the perpetrators are from the South of Somalia.

The assassination of the ministry official in Galkayo which is ruled by both the administrations of Puntland and Galmudug is part of a worsening security that worried the local population living in the volatile Somali region of Mudug.