MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shabab claimed responsiblity for shooting dead a lawmaker and his bodyguard Thursday, the latest in a surge of attacks in Mogadishu during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan.

“This was a targeted assassination,” Shabab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab said.

A witness said MP Ahmed Mohamud Hayd, a former minister and a senior army commander, was killed in the capital’s port district, one of the most heavily policed areas in the heart of the city.

“We will continue to hunt other MPs if they do not leave the apostate organization,” Abu Musab added, referring to parliament.

Gunmen in a car opened fire on the lawmakers as they left a hotel, spraying bullets at the small group of people.

A government official was wounded, while a second MP escaped unharmed, the United Nations said, contradicting initial Shabab boasts to have also wounded the lawmaker.

The district is close to both parliament and the presidential palace.

“The gunmen were driving in an expensive car and escaped after the killing. Police and other security forces sealed off the area,” said Abdi Liban, a witness.

The Shabab have vowed to intensify attacks during Ramadan.

“They were going to attend a parliament session when they have come under attack. One of the lawmakers was confirmed dead,” fellow MP Abdi Bare Yusuf told reporters after the attack.

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed condemned the “abhorrent” attack.

“We condemn this and any other murders, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” Ahmed said in a statement.

“Islam does not support the killing of innocents, brothers slaying brothers.” UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay said that, “to commit such callous crimes during the holy month demonstrates how little regard the perpetrators have for the Somali people.”