Governor Abdisalam Hassan Hersi of the Nugal Region was killed in a suicide bombing in the Puntland capital of Garowe.
The surprise attack also injured Farah Galangoli, a former police commander in the region, and an unnamed soldier.
Officials have said that all the injured are in Garowe General Hospital receiving medical treatment.
According to a witness, “A man approached the car carrying the governor, police chief, and others on foot. He was wearing a suicide vest, which he detonated.”
It remains unclear whether the suicide bomber targeted the Governor or former police chief. Nevertheless, the attack was the first in Garowe, which is one of Somalia’s safest cities.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack. In the past, it has targeted politicians, security officials, and civilians through similarly violent and deadly attacks.