Mogadishu — At least three FM radios and a TV outlet were ordered to close their stations today.

A decree issued by the security department of the Somali government ordered the Shabelle Media Network, Horn Afrik, IQK and Aljazeera TV stations in Mogadishu to be shut down.

The decree says, "From today 15 January, 2007, the above-mentioned radio and TV stations are to halt their broadcasting operations as soon they receive this decree. The managements of the media are being informed to come to the government security department that lies in Bar FIAT in Mogadishu on Tuesday."

All radio stations including Shabelle Radio instantly went off air.

The news comes as all local and foreign journalists were busy covering the events in Somalia. In the past the Islamic Courts have closed down some of the local FM radios in the country after they broadcast music and songs.

The government did not specifically justify why the free media in Somalia was shut down.