A 66-year-old businessman was shot and killed on Thursday evening in a suspected armed attack in southern Albania, according to preliminary police information.

The incident was reported in the village of Gjashtë, near the coastal city of Saranda, along the main Saranda–Delvinë road. The victim was identified as Rexhep Ismaili, the owner of a local gas station, who reportedly died after being struck by a bullet to the head.

Authorities say the shooting took place inside a café located within the gas station owned by Ismaili. Initial reports suggest the suspected gunman entered the premises armed with a pistol following a conflict believed to have occurred several days earlier.

At the time of the attack, Ismaili was sitting at a table with several other individuals inside the business when the suspect allegedly opened fire.

Moments after the shooting, individuals who were behind the bar reportedly retrieved an automatic weapon and fired toward the attacker. Despite the exchange of gunfire, the suspect managed to flee the scene and remains on the run.

Ismaili was also known locally as the head of the Saranda branch of the Chameria Association.

Sources told Albanian media that the victim was considered a respected individual with no known history of serious conflicts.

A large police presence was deployed to the area shortly after the shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing, while efforts are underway to identify and locate the suspect.