The journalists — Salah Osman and Mohamed Jeylani of Raxanreeb Online; Ibrahim Abdullahi Isak and Ibrahim Mukhtar of Kalsan TV; Aweys Mohamed Hassan of Bidhaan TV; and Abdullahi Kasim Mohamed of RTN TV — were taken away in a police vehicle and transported to Hodan District Police Station, SJS said.

The incident adds to a pattern of reported intimidation against journalists covering protests, political disputes and security operations. SJS says the measures have included confiscating equipment, deleting footage, pressuring journalists to remove critical posts and mistreating media workers in custody.

Officers from Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, on  Oct. 21, raided a youth meeting at Ileys Hotel in Mogadishu and arrested Zakariye Abshir, a videographer with Kalsan TV. Abshir was allegedly beaten in custody, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate. Officers later arrested the outlet’s editor, Jafar Mohamed, when he sought Abshir’s release. Both were subsequently released without charge.

The Ministry of Information on October 19 warned media outlets against spreading what it called "terrorist propaganda.” SJS condemned the statement, saying such warnings risked further restricting independent reporting.

That same day, Himilo Media journalist Khadar was released after nine days in incommunicado detention, SJS said. Khadar had been abducted on October 11 after reporting on political tensions. His colleague, Abdifatah Mohamed Hared, was reportedly slapped during the incident.

On October 15, journalist Yusuf Mohamed Adam was briefly arrested as forces loyal to Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen captured Buurhakaba, SJS said. His equipment was confiscated, and he remained in hiding amid concerns for his safety.

Earlier in the month, on October 9, Southwest State TV journalist Abdiladhiif Mohamed Abdi was arrested over a Facebook post alleging that a minister had misappropriated funds intended for local security forces. He was released on Oct. 12, but was allegedly forced to delete the post and had his head shaved, according to the SJS.

Pressure has also extended beyond journalists. In Baidoa, artist Ayuub Abdiqadir Hassan, known as "Dayax Baydhabo,” was arrested twice in October after posting a video criticizing federal forces. He later appeared in a video apologizing, with his head shaved, according to the reported account.

The incidents are unfolding against the backdrop of fighting that began Aug. 17 between forces loyal to Laftagareen and forces aligned with federal parliament speaker Adan Mohamed Nur, known as Adan Madoobe. The latter forces have received backing from Somalia’s federal government.

SJS said five journalists — two women and three men — had fled the area since late August, while eight others were in hiding. It also reported that journalist Bashir Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Bashir Moalin, died Sept. 3 from injuries sustained during clashes. His death heightened fears among journalists, several of whom subsequently fled, the organization said.

The fighting has also taken a toll on civilians. Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, reported about 234 civilian casualties between Aug. 17 and Sept. 3, including women and children, and raised concerns about access to hospitals and ambulance services. A local medical worker was also killed in September, according to the reported account.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate has called for an end to arbitrary arrests and threats against journalists, as well as the confiscation of equipment and deletion of recorded material.

The reported cases point to mounting risks for journalists attempting to document a volatile political and security crisis. With some reporters detained, others in hiding and several having fled the area, SJS says the pressure is undermining independent coverage of events affecting the public.