Gunmen on Monday night killed Garad Ibrahim Sayid, Mayor of Janale district in lower Shabelle region, southern Somalia, police and witnesses said on Tuesday.

Senior police officer Hussein Tahlil told Xinhua that Al-Shabaab raided Mayor's home and then they fired at him.

"We are conducting investigations to bring the criminals to the justice. They have been defeated and are trying to disrupt the stability," Tahlil said, referring to the militants who are facing major offensive from Africa Union and Somali forces.

Witnesses told Xinhua they heard gunfire at the home of the deceased and later established that the government's official in the district was shot dead.

"The gunmen escaped the scene after killing the mayor, we could not get out because it was dark" said Janale resident Mohamed Momin.

Al-Qaida linked group Al-Shabaab which is battling the international recognized Federal Government of Somalia claimed responsibility.