Three Aid Workers Killed Since Friday

by Michael Bear · 2008-10-20 17:39:00 UTC
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[Afghan women demonstrating on behalf of a kidnapped aid worker - Photo from Michael Stanislowsky]

Over the past four days, two aid workers were killed in Somalia, and another in Afghanistan. Since January, a total of 29 aid workers have been killed in Somalia, and 31 in Afghanistan.

(To read more about why attacks against aid workers are increasing, see here.)

At moments like this, we can only offer our thoughts and prayers to their families, friends and colleagues.

For further information on what happened over the weekend, see below:

- On Friday, Abdenasir Aden Muse was shot and killed as he left evening prayers in Marka, in south-central Somalia.  Mr. Muse was a senior Somali official with the World Food Program (WFP).

Earlier this week, another aid worker in Marka narrowely escaped a kidnapping attempt; his driver, however, was killed.  These attacks come after Al Shabaab, a Somali insurgent group, threatened aid agencies working in the area. (For more information on recent threats against NGOs operating in Somalia, see here.)

- On Sunday, gunmen killed Mukhtar Mohammed Hassan in Hudur, in south-central Somalia.  Mr. Hassan was a water engineer working with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

- On Monday, Gayle Williams was shot and killed in Kabul.  Ms. Williams worked for Serve Afghanistan, a British NGO.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility. (For more information on recent attacks against aid workers in Afghanistan, see here.)

Michael Bear
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