A senior police officer was shot and killed Monday night in Dhuusamareeb, the capital of Somalia’s Galmudug state, in what investigators describe as a crime of passion. Authorities have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for the killing, which has sent shockwaves through the community.
Second Lieutenant Hassan Abdi Mohamed, widely known as Hassan Quuri, was ambushed near Dhuusamareeb General Hospital while seated in his car. His vehicle was riddled with bullets, leaving him dead at the scene. A woman who was with him at the time suffered minor injuries from the gunfire.
Preliminary investigations suggest the killing may have stemmed from a romantic dispute. Local sources indicate the suspected assailant, now in custody, harboured feelings for the woman accompanying the officer at the time of the attack.
Galmudug security forces acted swiftly, apprehending a suspect identified as a member of the Somali National Army. Police in Dhuusamareeb confirmed that the individual is under interrogation. “We are thoroughly investigating the incident and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available,” a police spokesperson said.
Hassan Quuri, a seasoned officer who previously served as deputy commander of police stations in Guriceel and Dhuusamareeb, was known for his commitment to maintaining order in a region often plagued by instability. His death underscores the persistent risks faced by law enforcement officers in Somalia, where targeted attacks remain a grim reality.
The murder has reignited concerns about the intersection of personal grievances and violence within Somali communities, particularly in areas where security personnel are both protectors and participants in local disputes.
Residents of Dhuusamareeb have called for swift justice and stronger safeguards to prevent similar tragedies. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
