On 7 September 2026, journalist Bashir Mohamed Abdullahi, a 23-year-old reporter with Arlaadi Media Network in South West State of Somalia, died from gunshot wounds sustained on 3 September in the Al-Ahmaar neighbourhood of Baidoa. He was reportedly stopped by unidentified armed forces that had attacked the city as he was leaving his home to carry out his journalistic duties during clashes between government forces and militias loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), the former South West State leader. The armed men, who were wearing uniforms and covering their faces, questioned Bashir before shooting him twice in the back, leaving him seriously injured. He was taken to Bay General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but sadly died from his injuries before he could be transferred to Mogadishu for specialised treatment. Bashir is the second journalist to be killed in Somalia this year.