Mr Ali tweeted late on Thursday that he had been on holiday in the town of Galkayo when a regional police commander ordered local security forces to attack him.

He said the attack happened when his family was having iftar, the meal taken after sunset during Ramadan, that was hosted by a local traditional elder.

"I strongly condemn violence as a means to [achieve] political ends and will hold all involved accountable by all means necessary," he said

Puntland deputy leader Ahmed Karash condemned the incident and promised an investigation.

State TV reported that one soldier was killed and three people were wounded in the attack on the minister.

The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Somalia and a prolonged electoral process marred by alleged corruption and irregularities.