Condolences to family of murdered journalist Luke Somers

Al Jazeera offers condolences to family of murdered journalist Luke Somers

• Somers had contributed to Al Jazeera English online from 2011 to 2013

• Luke Somers described as "brave human being and open-minded journalist”

Al Jazeera Media Network has offered its deepest condolences to the family of murdered American photojournalist Luke Somers. He was held by al-Qaeda in Yemen, and died today during a US-led rescue operation in the southern province of Shabwa.

Somers, 33, was abducted in September 2013 while he worked as a freelance photojournalist for theYemen Times. He frequently contributed to Aljazeera.com from 2011 to 2013 often capturing protests taking place in Sanaa against the government but also documenting real voices through his breathtaking pictures.

Imad Musa, Head of Al Jazeera English Online paid tribute to Somers saying: “Between 2011 and 2013 Luke's insightful reporting and photos from Yemen were always welcome on our website at Al Jazeera. We would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family. The world has lost the voice of a brave human being and open-minded journalist who could explain the complexities of the situation in Yemen deftly.”

The tragedy takes the number of journalists who have died in the line of duty this year to 80.

Ends

© Scoop Media