At least 12 dead as al-Shabaab gunmen storm hotel in Mogadishu terror attack

The initial explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, then there was a second explosion outside the hotel a few minutes later, which which means that the rescuers helping the victims of the first explosion were then also injured

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Somlia: Islamists target hotel in Mogadishu terror attack

At least 12 people have been killed after Islamist militants attacked a hotel in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, sparking a siege that authorities are still trying to end.

The brutal al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for Friday night's raid on the Hayat Hotel, as it continues to wage a deadly revolt against Somalia's fragile government.

The attack began with two car bombs, followed by gunfire around 4 p.m. local time (6 p.m. UK time) on Friday, and security forces continue to attack the enemy who has taken control of the building.

Police Maj. Hassan Dahir confirmed to CNN that a shootout was taking place between gunmen and Somali security forces in the area where lawmakers and government officials spend much of their time.