Mogadishu- — The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses its deep concern at the recent instance when journalists have been injured in southern Somalia after Islamist extremist group Al-Shabaab's improvised explosive device (IED) attack on African union peacekeeping forces.

Mus'ab Abdullahi Adan and Farah Sahal Omar, who are working for Mogadishu-based Radio Dalsan and Radio Goobjoog respectively as Kismayo Reporters, were wounded by armed group in Kismayo after the journalists came to cover IED attack. Both journalists also work for Radio Kismayo.

"We offer our thoughts and best wishes to Mus'ab Abdullahi Adan and Farah Sahal Omar as they continue their recovery," said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. "One again we reject the violence directed at journalists attempting to carry out vital media work."

The two journalists were seriously wounded in the head and stomach. Medical doctors told NUSOJ that both of them are in critical situation and are going to undergo operations to remove bullets.

NUSOJ is calling on all sides to honour the basic rules of safety for journalists engaged in reporting ongoing events.