UN, U.S. mourn death of Somali journalist in suicide attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations and the United States on Wednesday mourned the passing away of Somali journalist, Abdullahi Osman Moalim, who succumbed to injuries sustained from an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Sunday in Beledweyne, central region.

The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu extended condolences to the family of journalist Moalim, who worked for Jubbaland TV and Radio Codka Hiiraan.

"The United States condemns Al-Shabaab and its indiscriminate attacks on the Somali people," the embassy said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

"We salute and encourage Somali journalists to continue their work despite the daily struggles and risks, in defense of the inalienable right of freedom of expression on behalf of the Somali people," the embassy said.

On its part, the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) also regretted the death of the journalist who was among other journalists seated at the teashop as they waited for the press conference by the regional administration.

"UN Somalia deeply regrets death of Jubbaland TV journalist Abdullahi Osman Moalim from wounds in the Sunday suicide attack in Beledweyne," UNSOM said.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said it was shocked to hear the death of Moalim due to severe injuries he sustained during the attack.

At least four people were killed and 15 others injured including two journalists during the suicide bomb attack.

Al-Shabaab terrorists who have been fighting to topple the Western-backed government claimed reasonability for the attack which comes amid surge in terror incidences in central Somalia.

GO + Xinhua