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Al-Shabaab targets soldiers and journalists in Somalia
[Garowe] al-Shabaab ...... Somalia's version of the Taliban...Arabic for students... , functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda... forces of Evil on Monday targeted soldiers and journalists in the country, in an attack that comes amid a heightened crackdown by government security officers and the team from the African Union ...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful... Transition Mission [ATMIS]. A report filed by the government indicates that at least three people died when their vehicle was targeted by an Improvised Explosive Device [IED] within the vicinity of Qabno township in southern Matabaan, Hiraan region of the country. Officials said among those who died were two soldiers who responded to the attack at the scene. Three people among them TV journalists attached to the HirShabelle regional TV were critically injured and are currently being treated in various facilities within the country. The explosion occurred as Somali government forces clashed with al-Shabaab forces of Evil in the area. Government forces entered the area in an effort to clear the bad boys. Reports coming within the last few minutes say the forces of Evil launched a counterattack and there is an ongoing firefight. SJS, a media lobby group within the country, has since condemned the attack, asking various groups to respect media freedoms for the sake of prosperity. The media has often borne the brunt of the group's cowardly attacks within the country. "We are shocked to learn about the kaboom on the journalists’ vehicle in Qabno locality, central Somalia today. Journalists Abdikarin and Khalid who work for Hirshabelle State-owned TV were maimed. They're currently receiving medical attention," the group noted. "Journalists are independent observers and all warring sides should know that, under international humanitarian law, it is unlawful to target journalists and media crew and therefore should ensure their safety and security. We pray for a speedy recovery of the two colleagues." The United Nations ...an idea whose time has gone... has often blamed the group for attacks targeting journalists in the country, with others dying in various documented incidents. The former administration of Mohammed Abdullahi Mohammed better known as Farmajo was also linked to the violation of media rights. Related: Hiraan: 2022-03-27 Ikran Tahil's mother: MP Amina's murder was pre-meditated Hiraan: 2022-02-20 Suicide bomber kills more than 10 at tea shop in Somalia Hiraan: 2021-12-04 Gunfight between Al-Shabaab and AU forces leaves three dead in Somalia Posted by: trailing wife 2022-06-29 |
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