Carsten Thomassen killed at the Serena

The gunfire and bomb blasts that rocked the only luxury hotel in Kabul yesterday killed Norwegian journalist Carsten Thomassen. He wrote for the Oslo newspaper Dagbladet. He was reporting on the visit of Jonas Gahr Støre, the Norwegian Foreign Minister. The International federation of Journalists condemns the attack,

“This attack shows that Afghanistan is one of the world’s most dangerous spots for journalists,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “It is a terrible and sad day for Norwegian journalism. We send a message of deepest sympathy to the friends, family and colleagues of Carsten Thomassen. His death is a poignant reminder of the sacrifice and terrible losses being endured by media in conflict zones. It will strengthen our resolve to reduce the risks journalists face.”link

Oslo base journalist Kristine Lowe has more on her personal blog.