Farhan (James) Abdulle, a journalist with Radio Daljir, was assassinated by two unknown gunmen in northern Galkayo of Somalia's Mudug region on Wednesday night as he headed home from work.
“Yes, it is true that is Farhan dead. He was killed by gunmen who escaped before security forces reached the area,” said the director of Radio Dajlir.
Farhan, who hails from the Reer Mohamud subclan of the Marjeteen, was said to be reporting on piracy related issues and was suspected to have been killed by pirates.
He is the sixth Somalia journalist shot this year.
--On February 28th, SomaliWeyn Radio Director Abukar Hassan Kadaf was gunned down in front of his home.--On March 4th, Ali Ahmed Abdi of Radio Galkayo was also gunned down in Galkayo.
--One day later on March 5th, Mahad Salad Adam (Mahad Jamal), an editor with the Voice of Hiiraan, was shot and killed in Beledweyne.
--On March 25, a Shabelle Radio journalist, Mohiyadin Hassan Hunsi was shot in Mogadishu but survived.
--On April 24, gunmen shot and wounded Abdiaziz Dirie, a journalist with Radio Simba, in the leg while he was in Mogadishu's Bakara Market.
Galkayo is a divided city with Puntland controlling the northern half and Galmudug controlling the southern half.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Somalia Report will publish more information once it becomes available.