Veteran politician killed by armed men in Somalia 

Armed men in Somalia have killed a veteran politician and his bodyguard in a drive-by shooting in the capital Mogadishu. 

The assassination of Mohamed Mohamud Heyd is the latest attack by suspected anti-government fighters who have pledged to step up violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. 

Al-Shabab, which frequently carries out deadly assaults in Mogadishu, claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Experts say al-Shabab is increasingly targeting legislators at a time when the country's parliament is memerging as a pillar of democracy. 

Heyd, his bodyguard, a parliamentary aide and another legislator were on their way to a parliamentary meeting in Mogadishu when their car was hit by a barrage of bullets.  

The attack happened near the fortified presidential palace, considered one of the safest places in Mogadishu.

Source: ALJAZEERA