Another Somali journalist targeted for death, bringing toll to 18 this year

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Journalists in Somalia's capital say gunmen have targeted and killed another media worker, bringing the number of Somali journalists killed this year to 18.

Warsame Shire Awale, who worked at a Mogadishu radio station, was shot dead by two men near his home late Monday. Sharmarke Abukar Amin, a colleague who confirmed the death, said journalists in Somalia are being killed only because of their professional identity.

Awale, a veteran poet and playwright, was known for composing dramas and songs for bands and radio stations.

The National Union of Somali Journalists said Awale had been receiving threats because of comments he made on air about gunmen targeting civilians. The union said Awale was killed Monday night.

No arrests have been made in any of the 18 media killings this year.