Hargeisa (KAAB TV) — Authorities in Somaliland have launched a manhunt for a suspect involved in the cold-blooded killing of two young men in Hargeisa on Sunday night. The victims, identified as Khadar Ibrahim Mohamed, 23, and Sultan Ahmed Abdullahi, 22, were fatally shot while riding on a public bus.
According to Brigadier General Ibrahim Abdi Haji, Head of Police Operations, the suspect is still at large, but a full investigation is underway. The police believe the attack was premeditated and are pursuing several leads, with a few individuals already taken into custody for questioning.
“The assailant boarded the bus and fired direct shots to the heads of the two victims using a pistol,” said Brigadier General Ibrahim during a press briefing. “It occurred during the Ishaa prayer time, a moment when many people were in mosques, which made the operation even more calculated and difficult to trace immediately.”
The brazen murder has shaken the city of Hargeisa, with many calling for swift justice. The police say they are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.
“We assure the public that we are working diligently and promise to capture the killer as soon as possible,” the police commander added. “We also urge anyone who has any knowledge of this crime to immediately report it to the nearest police station.”
Relatives of the victims, speaking to HOL (Horn Observer Live), suggested that the motive may be linked to a past incident involving one of the victims. There is speculation that the killing could be an act of revenge related to a previous conflict, although no official confirmation has been made regarding this theory.
Sultan Ahmed Abdullahi, a recent graduate of Unity University in Hargeisa, had been traveling with his friend Khadar Ibrahim Mohamed when the masked assailant boarded the bus and opened fire without warning. Khadar died at the scene, while Sultan succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
This tragic double homicide is considered one of the most disturbing acts of violence to occur in Hargeisa in recent months. The incident has not only sparked public outrage but has also raised concerns about the growing threat of targeted killings in the region.
Police have vowed to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds.