MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The governor of central Somalia’s Hiran region survived an assassination attempt after his convoy had come under attack on the western outskirts of the town of Baladwayne, local media reported on Sunday.
Ali Jayte Osman, who was heading to the town of Farlibah west of the town of Baladwayne, was ambushed by militants, who then exchanged gunfire with his bodyguards in a brief gunfight. Initial reports said at least one soldier was killed and four others wounded.
Al-Shabaab said its fighters were behind the ambush, saying Jayte was a target for the assault. Last month, he alleged that local militias loyal to a rebellious former military officer were cooperating with insurgents, an assertion later denied by general Abukar Hut.
Exact casualties on both sides have not been immediately known and local authorities have yet to brief media on the attack.
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