NAYA| TV journalist Najwa Kassem passes away at 51

BEIRUT: Renowned TV journalist Najwa Kassem passed away on Thursday morning after a heart stroke. She was found dead in her house, Dubai.

Kassem was a senior anchor on Al Arabiya. She is recognized as one of the first Arab female journalists to actively cover war, specifically in Iraq and Afganistan.

Al Arabiya issued a statement expressing shock at Kassem's sudden demise.

"Al Arabiya network mourns Najwa Kassem, our colleague, and journalist, who died this morning at her home in Dubai," the statement read.

Sources confirmed that Kassem had a heart attack that led to her immediate death. According to different media outlets, signs of fatigue were showing on her face over the past few months.

In 2006, Kassem earned the Best Female Presenter award at the Arab Media Festival. She was also nominated by news magazine Arabian Business as one of the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in 2011.

In her last tweet, Kassem wished all a happy new year. “Dear God, protect our country and keep your eye on Lebanon,” the final tweet read.

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