TV Technician Shot Dead in Mogadishu, Police Arrest Suspect

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 26 May 2025 11:18

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TV Technician Shot Dead in Mogadishu, Police Arrest Suspect

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – A Somali television technician was shot and killed on Sunday morning in Mogadishu's Hodan district while heading to work, police and colleagues said.

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Abdi Osman, widely known as Arab, was a technician with Astaan TV in Mogadishu. He was shot dead in Mogadishu on Sunday.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – A Somali television technician was shot and killed on Sunday morning in Mogadishu's Hodan district while heading to work, police and colleagues said.

The victim, Abdifatah Abdi Osman, widely known as Arab, was a technician with Astaan TV, a popular cable channel known for its entertainment and sports programming.

According to witnesses, Arab was riding his motorbike towards the Astaan TV compound when a security guard stationed at a nearby hotel apartment opened fire, fatally shooting him in the head.

"He was approaching the gate of the compound where Astaan TV is based when the guard suddenly shot him,” a colleague told Kaab TV, requesting anonymity.

Arab was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.

In a statement, Astaan TV mourned the loss:

"We share our condolences with all the staff, relatives, and family of Abdifatah Abdi Osman (Arab), who was part of the Astaan team and was killed this morning in Mogadishu while carrying out his professional duties. May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Paradise (Jannatul Firdaus).”

Police said they have arrested a suspect—described as a middle-aged man—and an investigation is ongoing. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

The killing has triggered public outrage and widespread calls for justice on Somali social media platforms, with journalists and rights advocates expressing concern over the safety of media workers.

Abdifatah Abdi Osman was also known for his contributions to Somali sports and had previously played for the national football team.

He is survived by his wife and a child.