MOGADISHU, Somalia – August 8, 2024, Prominent journalist Aisha Abass Tahliil, affiliated with Mogadishu’s leading publication, Xog-Doon Newspaper, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Kaxda district, Banadir region, on Wednesday evening. The attack occurred around 7:30 PM when armed assailants opened fire on her.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing intense gunfire opened at the journalist. Despite the severity of the assault, Aisha emerged unscathed. The attackers, believed to be armed members of the Al-Shabaab militant group, fled the scene after their attempt failed.
Federal Somali forces quickly intervened, engaging the attackers in a confrontation that disrupted their plans. The journalist was returning home from her daily work at Xog-Doon when she was attack by the al-Shabab fighters.
Aisha Abass Tahliil is renowned for her fearless reporting on violations by armed groups like Al-Shabaab and, at times, the Somali government, particularly those targeting Somali women. In recent weeks, she has received repeated death threats messages and direct intimidating phone calls, warning and directing her to cease her critical reporting.
This latest incident underscores the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Somalia, especially those exposing human rights abuses.
