Somali journalist dies in hospital after attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) A Somali journalist died in hospital after being attacked by gunmen, a colleague said Sunday, bringing to seven the number of journalists killed in Somalia this year.

Journalist Mohamed Mohamud, 26, died in hospital Saturday night, said fellow journalist Ahmed Nor Mohamed. "We have lost a precious life once again. Doctors were not able to save our colleague," he said.

Mohamud was buried Sunday.

Mohamud, who also was known as Tima'ade, had undergone surgery after being shot six times in the neck, chest and shoulder, said the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ. Unidentified gunmen in a car shot at Mohamud as he drove to work early Tuesday in the Wadajir district of the capital, Mogadishu, the journalists' group said, citing local reports.

Mohamud reported for the private U.K.-based Universal TV, which covers news for the Somali diaspora, said the CPJ.

Somalia is one of the most dangerous countries for media workers. At least 18 journalists were killed in Somalia last year.

It's not entirely clear who has been targeting journalists. But militants, criminals, and even state agents all could have reasons to want journalists killed in Somalia, according to the CPJ.

The killings of media workers often happen in the government-controlled areas that journalists generally consider safe, and reporters must watch their backs for attacks from extremists and criminals as well as possible hostility from the government.