Las Anod — Police authorities in Somalia’s Northeastern Administration have reportedly conducted a raid on the offices of Raxanreeb Media in Las Anod, following the publication of a report detailing complaints from local residents regarding employment practices in the area.

The report, published earlier this week, cited grievances from members of the community who alleged that jobs traditionally held by local residents had been allocated to foreign nationals. According to those interviewed, some of the workers were said to be from Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Kenya. The residents argued that employment opportunities should prioritize local citizens, particularly those who had contributed to the defense of the city during periods of instability.

One resident quoted in the report emphasized that members of the local community had sustained injuries and lost relatives while defending the city, and therefore believed that employment opportunities should reflect those sacrifices.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that shortly after the report was published, a police officer identified as Commander Gawrac led an operation targeting Raxanreeb Media’s office in Las Anod. During the operation, equipment from the newsroom was reportedly confiscated. The residence of the outlet’s regional director for the Northeastern Administration, journalist Kobciye, was also reportedly entered, with allegations that members of his family were intimidated.

Raxanreeb Media’s national leadership has described the incident as an act of retaliation linked to its reporting. Mohamed Bulbul, Head of Raxanreeb Media in Somalia, called on the Northeastern Administration to respect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists operating in the region.

He further urged authorities to return the confiscated equipment and to initiate an investigation into the conduct of the officer alleged to have carried out the raid.

The Northeastern Administration has not, at the time of publication, issued an official statement addressing the allegations related to the raid or the reported seizure of media equipment.