By HAN News Desk
KISMAYO — A young independent journalist was shot dead late Monday night in the southern Somali port city of Kismayo, according to local residents and witnesses, in an incident that has intensified concerns over rising violence and insecurity in the area.
Witnesses said the journalist was allegedly killed by armed men described by residents as militias loyal to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the leader of Somalia’s Jubaland regional administration. The attackers reportedly shot the victim four times in the head before fleeing the scene.
Local sources said the suspected gunman escaped immediately after the killing and had not been arrested as of Tuesday morning, raising questions among residents and activists about accountability and security in the city.
The killing occurred amid a broader wave of violence in Kismayo. Residents and community leaders told The Associated Press that at least six civilians were killed across the city on the same day in separate incidents. Details about the circumstances of those deaths remain unclear, and independent verification of all the claims was not immediately possible.
Several residents accused armed groups and security personnel linked to local authorities of carrying out abuses, including raids on homes and looting of property. Some families said they were forced to flee certain neighborhoods due to fear of further violence.
Human rights observers and journalists in the region say the latest killing highlights the ongoing risks faced by independent reporters working in southern Somalia, where political tensions and security operations frequently intersect.
Officials from the Jubaland administration did not immediately comment on the allegations. Somali authorities and regional leaders have previously said they are working to stabilize the region and combat armed groups operating in the area.
The situation in Kismayo remains tense, with residents reporting heavy security presence in parts of the city and growing concern about the safety of civilians and journalists.
