Three journalists wounded in Somalia suicide bombing

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 September 2017

A suicide bombing in Beledweyne, Somalia, has resulted in multiple casualties, including three journalists. The attack drew condemnation from journalism organizations.

Summary

BRUSSELS - A suicide bombing on Sunday (September 10) in the central Somalian town of Beledweyne has killed at least six people and wounded over 15 others, including three journalists.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), along with its affiliate National Union of Somali Journalists, condemned the attack and urged journalists in Somalia to operate with extreme caution when reporting in the country.

Saab TV’s Abdishakur Mohamed Hassan, RTN TV and Simba Radio’s Abdulkadir Omar Ibrahim and Jubaland TV’s Abdullahi Osman Moallim were wounded when a terrorist detonated an explosive vest and belt in Beledweyne’s Siligga restaurant in the Hiran region. Abdullahi Osman Moallim was evacuated to a Mogadishu hospital Monday for urgent medical attention.

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman said: “We deplore these casualties caused by this brutal suicide bombing and encourage journalists in Beledweyne to take all the necessary precautions to carry out their duties in the safest environment.”

“This is a deplorable and barbaric act of terror”, added IFJ President, Philippe Leruth. “Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and wounded, including our three colleagues. We implore all journalists working in Somalia to stay as safe as possible when on assignment and we request their employers to provide them all the necessary security training and measures.”

The Al-Qaeda linked extremist group Al-Shabaab immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on the restaurant, which is located outside the governor’s office of the Hiran region. – IFJ media release/Image courtesy: National Union of Somali Journalists

KEY POINTS:

• At least six people killed and over 15 injured in Beledweyne bombing.
• Three journalists were wounded, prompting calls for greater safety measures.
• The Al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the attack.
• International organizations encourage caution for journalists in Somalia.
• Ongoing violence poses risks to media personnel in the region.