Somali militants have attacked a hotel in the capital Mogadishu, local security forces have confirmed. A suicide bomber is believed to have detonated a truck bomb at the gate of the hotel which was then stormed by a group of heavily-armed men.
Captain Ali Ahmed of the Somali police force confirmed that suspected members of al-Shabaab - which is linked to al-Qaeda - attempted to storm the Naasa-Hablood hotel.
It is feared the terrorists may have taken a number of hostages. The hotel is a popular location among the Somali political elite and members of the nation's diaspora returning to the city on business, Daily Mail.com reports.
Officials said at least five civilians have been killed.