For over 12 hours security forces drawn from Kenya Defense Forces and Somalia National Army, engaged Al-Shabaab militants in Kismayo following an attack that left 12 dead.
The latest siege in Kismayo, a town that was liberated by KDF seven years ago, started at As-Asey Hotel where explosives left several dead as gunfire ensued.
And in a quick response to save Kismayo from the hands of militants, KDF team is said to have mobilised other security agents in a 12-hour fight that culminated in defeat to Al-Shabaab, who fled.
"Officials in Kismayo say security forces led by KDF have ended Al-Shabaab siege of Hotel As-Asey. The security forces overpowered the last Al-Shabaab militant about 50 minutes ago. At least 11 people are dead but casualties may increase," VOA journalist Harun Maruf said.
The attack left celebrated TV host Hodan Nalayeh and her husband Farid Jama dead. The TV host of credited for starting the online platform Integrated TV which reports positive stories about Somalia.
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan are among top Kenyan officials who have mourned her death. The attack was the first in as many years in the port town of Kismayo.
"Inspirational TV personality who returned from Canada to report positive stories about Somalia, Hodan Nalayeh, killed in Al-Shabaab complex attack in Kismayo - Minister @JustAwHirsi confirms. Hodan was the founder of @IntegrationTV that reports on local and diaspora," VOA journalist Harun Maruf confirmed.
The tragic death has attracted condemnation from Somali community in Kenya with Majority Leader Aden Duale terming it as uncouth and uncalled for.
"Innalilahi wainaillahim raajun We've lost a brilliant and promising member of our society in a bomb blast at a hotel in Kismayo, Somalia. I have known her as one person who always tells the world the positive side of Somalia through her online TV," he said in his tribute.
"Heartbreaking news from Kismayo. Absolutely gutted to hear the killing of Hodan Naleyh and her husband Farid & many other innocent ppl. Strongly condemn these acts of terror. We must defeat hatred and violence with unity, love, kindness and compassion," added Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan.