Lawmakers from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland have accused militant Islamist group al-Shabaab of being responsible for the wave of assassinations and bomb attacks in the region.
Speaking in Mogadishu recently, the leaders condemned the al-Shabaab fighters in the strongest terms for the growing insecurity cases in Puntland.
But al-Shabaab leaders were not immediately available to comment on the claims.
“We want the security of Puntland to be beefed up so that the militants do not take advantage again,” said Mohamed Abdi Yussuf, one of the lawmakers.
The lawmakers urged Puntland security forces to continue with their operations aimed at assuring peace and stability in the entire region particularly in Galkayo.
Puntland has recently seen a growing wave of deadly attacks apparently targeting its senior officials.
On Friday, two security officers were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region in Puntland.