United Nations Radio

Two employees with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) escaped unharmed after their vehicle was ambushed this weekend by armed militia men in north-eastern Somalia.

The staff members came under heavy gunfire while in the town of Garowe in Puntland. An officer who was part of a special police unit traveling with them was shot in the leg and remains under medical care.

UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis said four suspects were arrested and three AK-47 rifles were recovered following the incident:

"More than 20 bullet holes were counted in the UNHCR vehicle, which was carrying an international staff member and the local UNHCR driver. Both remain very deeply shocked by this incident. The police in Garowe are conducting further investigation and through the arrest of the four suspects are in a position to identify who's behind this attack."

UNCHR noted that the security situation in Puntland has been deteriorating over the past months, making it difficult for them to deliver assistance to vulnerable people. The agency is calling on the authorities to take strong measures to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

This is Dianne Penn for United Nations Radio.

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