JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 16, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
BRUSSELS – A bomb attack killed at least 276 civilians including one journalist in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia on Saturday October 14.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in condemning the attacks and sends its deepest sympathy to the family of the killed journalist.
A truck loaded with explosives exploded near a hotel in Mogadishu on October 14. The explosion took place in one of the capital's busiest intersection demolishing buildings around it. At least 500 people are believed to have been killed or seriously injured, including journalists and the numbers are expected to rise.
Freelance video journalist Ali Nur Siad-Ahmed, 31, was killed in the attack. Journalists Abdulkadir Mohamed Abdulle of Voice of America (VOA), Mohamed Omar Bakay of Goobjoog Radio and Abdullahi Osman of Mandeeq Radio as well as freelance journalists Abdiqani Ali Adan and Ahmed Abdi Hadi were wounded.
According to NUSOJ, the journalists were on duty when the attack happened.
“We are shocked by the unprecedented scale and brutality of this gruesome bombing. Such abominable crime became the reason for journalists and innocent civilians to be killed and wounded. We express our deep grief and anguish over the loss of precious human lives, including the death of Ali Nur Siad-Ahmed,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to wounded journalists and we wish them a speedy recovery”.
The explosion forced Goobjoog Radio and Ciyaaraha FM - based in the blast site- to temporarily suspend broadcasting after both stations were damaged. The blast also damaged NUSOJ offices located approximately 400 meters away from the blast site, shattering windows, blowing doors and destroying equipment.
The bombing is believed to be Somalia’s deadliest and most powerful single attack. There has been no claim of responsibility so far.
The IFJ records 62 killings of journalists in the country in the past 10 years. Somalia is one of the Federation’s target country in this years’ campaign against impunity to be launched on November 2.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We send our deepest condolences to the family of Ali Nur Siad-Ahmed and wish a swift recovery to the five journalists injured. Alongside our affiliate NUSOJ, we ask the Somali government to respond meaningfully to these attacks and bring their perpetrators to justice”. – IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.