MOGADISHU, Somalia Feb 9 2008 - Somali government soldiers shot and killed at least three civilians on Saturday in a continuation of violence that has plagued the country since the transitional government arrived in the capital Mogadishu early last year.

One killing took place at a local barbershop when a young male was pulled out of the shop and killed by several armed men clad in government military fatigues, witnesses said told Garowe Online.

There was no motive given for the killing and those who knew the victim said he is not connected to Mogadishu's insurgent groups.

In a separate fatal shooting, a group of six soldiers stopped a small vehicle and opened fire on the two male passengers inside.

Both passengers died on the scene. One witness said: "As soon as they [soldiers] killed them, they [soldiers] got back in their own vehicle and drove off."

Government troops have been accused of armed robberies and shootings by Mogadishu locals for months.

Meanwhile, insurgent attacks claimed the live of a Mogadishu municipal official when he was assassinated near his home in Waberi district last night.

The death of Abdi Fidow was confirmed by Waberi District Commissioner Ahmed Mayre, who said that the three killers escaped.

The security situation in Mogadishu is as dangerous as it has ever been, according to longtime residents and local elders.

Source: Garowe Online