The attack reportedly took place at the Bulshale hotel on Monday evening when the 54 year old was shot at least three times at close range by unidentified pistol-wielding assassins, according to a Puntland official. The gunmen managed to escape on foot after the brazen attack. Shortly after the shooting heavily armed police officers arrived on the scene and cordoned off the area for an investigation. The motive for the attack, as well as the identities of the killers is yet to be known. A wave of political assassinations has rocked the Puntland region this year with almost 30 officials killed in a similar fashion; the most recent coming just 48 hours ago when unknown gunmen shot and killed a court official.