The late Col. Abdullahi was on Monday night shot dead in Garowe as he was heading home, eyewitnesses said.

Garowe police arrived at the crime scene, said to be pursuing the killer.

Assassinations are not common in Garowe.

Al-shabaab fighters have reportedly moved to Puntland in recent months.

Their move comes as African Union-backed government forces gain ground in their stronghold of southern Somalia.