10 Somali Journalists wounded in Mogadishu's Suicide Attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia, April 5, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ is dismayed by the suicide attack at the National Theatre that wounded thirteen (13) Somali Journalists, including the Union's Supreme council vice president on Wednesday morning. NUSOJ condemns the incidents its strongest terms possible.

A female suicide bomber blew herself up at the National Theatre where a ceremony for the Somali National Television was going on Wednesday April 4, 2012 around 12:00pm.

10 journalists among three female journalists were wounded in the attack ranging from minor injuries to severe wounds, the first of its kind the Somali Journalists witnessed. The wounded journalists are Saleiban Sheik Ismail , NUSOJ Supreme Council 2nd Vice President, Ahmed Ali Kahiye reporter for the Kulmiye News Network (KNN) Radio, Ms. Deeqo Mohamed Ahmed reporter for Somali National Television, Ms.

Hamdi Muhumad Hassan reporter for Somali Chanel, Sa'id Warsame Shuuriyaako who works for the Shabelle Media Network, Mohamed Shariif – Radio Bar-Kulan, Ms. Ayaan Abdulle Guure reporter for S24 Television, Mikail Hassan Ali who is an editor and Technician for the Somali National TV, Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan (Timoos) received wounds from the shoulder and Hassan Salah better known as Hassan Adde who is a cameraman for the Somali National TV was wounded at the ankle.

Saleiban Sheik Ismail, one of the union's supreme council vice presidents and reporter for Biladaye News Website, received head injuries and a right hand thumb. He was hospitalized at Daru-Shifa Hospital where he is receiving treatment.

A flying shrapnel hit the left kidney of Ahmed Ali Kahiye reporter for the Kulmiye News Network (KNN) Radio, he was rushed to Madina hospital where he went under a surgery. The Union's Secretary General, the union Treasurer and Director of Somali Chanel Television donated blood among others.

Ms. Deeqo Mohamed Ahmed reporter for Somali National Television (SNTV) was severely wounded at the back, right leg and flames burnt over her mouth and neck, there was also internal bleeding that the doctors had managed to let blood out. She was admitted to Daru-Shifa Hospital, a privately owned hospital in Mogadishu. On Wednesday afternoon, NUSOJ officials who visited her at the Hospital pointed out she was in critical condition.

Ms. Hamdi Muhumad Hassan aka Hamdi Hiis who is reporter for Somali Chanel Television received head injuries and legs, she is currently receiving treatment at Madina Hospital. Both legs were wounded and the head.

Sa'id Warsame Shuuriyaako who works for the Shabelle Media Network was wounded by flying sharpnels and flames. He received wounds both his and his hands were burnt by the flames that resulted the suicide bomb and his health condition is so critical.

Mohamed Shariif a reporter for the Radio Bar-Kulan received light wounds at the left hand above the elbow and he was discharged from the Hospital.

Ms. Ayaan Abdulle Guure reporter for S24 Television received wounds from her left leg and she was admitted to Madina Hospital for treatment.

Mikail Hassan Ali who is an editor and Technician for the Somali National TV, Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan (Timoos) received wounds from the shoulder and Hassan Salah better known as Hassan Adde who is a cameraman for the Somali National TV was wounded at the ankle.

In addition to the journalists, two prominent representatives of Somalia to the Olympics were killed in the suicide bomb attack, according to Somalia's Ministry of Information, Posts and telecommunication.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemned the attack in the strongest terms possible and called the attack barbaric.

“We condemn the attack, which wounded our colleague in the line of duty, in the strongest terms possible.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “The union sends its sympathies to the whole Somali people who suffered losses during the attack and hopes Somali journalists speedy recovery.”

Somalia government and the UN Political Office for Somalia also condemned the attack END

The Photos will be uploaded in the union website shortly:

http://www.nusoj.org.so/alerts/2012/April2012/10_Somali_journalists_among_the_wounded_in_Mogadishu_National_Theatre_Suicide_attack.htm