Journalist shot dead in Somali capital Mogadishu
Gunmen shot dead a journalist with the Shabelle Media Network in the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Thursday in the sixth killing of a reporter in the war-torn nation in as many months and the third from the network.
Issued on:
Ahmed Adow Anshur, who joined the station two years ago, was gunned down in Darkenley district by four unknown men armed with pistols near his house.
According to eyewitnesses he was shot in the head and chest and died instantly.
There has been speculation that the repeated targeting of journalists is linked to terrorists.
However, only one killing has been confirmed by the terror group so far.
Al-Shebab has not claimed responsibility for the killing of Ahmed Adow.
Mohamed Bashir, a comrade of the deceased journalist said Mr. Anshur was a well known journalist who covered important issues such as the country’s political crisis.
He was a correspondent for the station’s political service.
Earlier this year the director of Shabelle, Hassan Fantastic, was shot five times in the Wadajir district of Mogadishu as he was heading home from work.
Mahad Adan Salad another Shabelle media journalist was also killed near his home in Beledweyne by an armed group of men.
Somalia, which has not had a functioning government for more than 20 years, is regarded as the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. According to local sources, six reporters have been killed in the last five months alone.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe