At least 11 killed in Somalia hotel attack

At least 11 people were killed and scores injured in twin car bomb explosions on a hotel in Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday afternoon, a police officer has said.

Police officer Mohamed Nor, who was at the scene, told Xinhua those killed were mostly civilians who were in the Nasa-Hablod Hotel at the time of the explosions.

"The first explosion hit the entrance of the hotel and gunmen entered the hotel. A second explosion happened immediately thereafter," Nor said.

He said security agencies were "responding to the situation".

Islamist group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sporadic gunfire can still be heard from the hotel and police reports indicated there was hostage situation.

Nasa-Hablod Hotel is located at the central business district in Mogadishu and frequented by politicians.

The Al-Shabaab militants, fighting against the Somali government, frequently carry out attacks in Mogadishu.

Early this month, at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in an Al-Shabaab attack on another hotel in Mogadishu.

source : xinhua