Al-Shabaab attacks hotel in Kismayo

A bomb attack in an hotel in Somalia port Kismayo has been revendicated by Al–Shabaab militants, Agence France presse (AFP) reports.

#BREAKING At least 7 killed in bomb, gun attack on Somalia hotel, security source says pic.twitter.com/t5ZVHnmo6A

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 12, 2019

TV presenter Hodan (pictured) is announced among seven perished in the attack. The authorities said there are “at least” seven people killed, including Hodan and her husband.

Shocked and grieved by the loss of our sister @HodanTV, her husband & innocent lives taken in #Kismayo. In Hodan, We lost someone very special. She truly made a difference in the narrative about #Somalia. Her legacy of showcasing all the positive things about our nation lives on.

— Abdinur Mohamed (@AbdinurMAhmed) July 12, 2019

A lethal blast occurred in Hotel Asasey in the heart of Kismayu, followed by gunfire.

BREAKING Intergration TV's Hodan Naaleye and husband Farid confirmed dead in the #Kismayo Alshabaab attack. Hodan established the first diaspora english online TV covering life of Somalis in diaspora and in Somalia. She was expectant at the time of her death #Somalia pic.twitter.com/eidSTjwDLj

— Radio Dalsan (@RadioDalsan1) July 12, 2019

Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al-Shabaab military operation spokesman, said the militant group linked to al Qaeda, trying to overthrow Somalia’s central government, was behind the attack and that fighting was still going on.

AMENDED:

1)Breaking: #Shabaab claims the suicide operation and ensuing armed assault at Hotel Asasey in the port city #Kismayo, southern #Somalia. Clashes reportedly ongoing. 1st such operation in the city, with tactics similar to those seen in #Mogadishu and #RiversideAttack in #Nairobe. pic.twitter.com/j3a2trJwq3

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) July 12, 2019

AMENDED:

TV presenter Hodan moved from Canada back to Somalia inspired to communicate stories beyond war.

Journalist @HodanTV moved from Canada back to #Somalia inspired by those she interviewed to communicate its stories beyond war. Her optimism & joy were contagious. Read & watch her work. She & her husband are reported killed in tonight’s attack in #Kismayo. 1 day after these. https://t.co/3sL7vVOPxO

— Alina Potts (@alina_potts) July 12, 2019