Gunmen attack hotel in Somali capital
Militant Islamists in Somalia have been involved in a gun battle with security forces at a hotel on the capital, Mogadishu.
Al-Shabab said it was behind the attack at the Afrik Hotel, which began with an automobile bomb on Sunday afternoon.
It is not yet confirmed how many casualties there are, however the AFP news firm reported at least three deaths.
The group, which is associated with al-Qaeda, regularly carries out attacks against the federal government.
A car hit the hotel's front access and detonated before gunmen stormed the construction, according to officials and others at the scene.
"The blast built the resort tremble as we sat inside and were speaking. We were panicked, puzzled," eyewitness Ahmed Nur was quoted by Reuters reports agency as saying.
Senior national security established Mohamed Dahir told AFP that several civilians and a security guard were verified dead, "however the death toll could possibly be higher".
The militants targeted the Afrik Hotel even though it really is in a heavily guarded area nearby the city's main airport, the BBC's Bella Hassan reported from Mogadishu.
The hotel may be considered a gathering place for Somali government officials. An area police captain said several lawmakers and senior military officials were inside at the time of the attack.
Footage on social press showed large plumes of smoke soaring across the location earlier on Sunday.
The violent siege comes just simply weeks after former US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of some 700 troops who was simply supporting regional security forces against militant teams, including al-Shabab.
There are fears the withdrawal could lead to further instability in the united states, which is because of hold elections the following month.
