Mogadishu ( Raxanreeb ) – Mogadishu, Somalia – In a disturbing incident, renowned Somali journalist Omar Ali Hassan survived an attempted murder in the capital city of Mogadishu.

The attack took place on Thursday night in the Waberi district of Mogadishu. As witnesses told two gunman opened fire on him, unleashing two bullets at close range. Miraculously, Hassan emerged unscathed and was able to flee the scene. However, one of his friends sitting with him was injured in the head.

This is not the first time that journalists, artists, and poets have been targeted in such violent attacks in Mogadishu, particularly in the Waberi area. Notable victims include the respected comedian and composer Abdi Jeylani Marshale, as well as popular singer Aadan Biid, both of whom were recently killed in the Waberi district.

The responsibility for these killings has been claimed by the Al-Shabab militant group, which has a long history of opposing and suppressing artistic expression and freedom of the press in Somalia.

Omar Ali Hassan is a veteran journalist who has been active in the Somali media landscape for the past 15 years. In addition to his journalistic work, he has played a vital role in the Somali music industry, collecting and preserving the literary archive of Somali music history. Hassan is the author of a well-received book titled “Fan iyo Fannaan” (Art and Artist).

This latest attack on Hassan serves as a grim reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by journalists and artists in Somalia, where the freedom of expression remains under constant threat from violent extremist groups. While Hassan’s successful escape offers a glimmer of hope, the broader pattern of targeted violence against cultural and media figures in Mogadishu remains a troubling concern.