At least eight civilians have been killed after Al-Shabaab Islamist militants attacked a hotel in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, an official said Saturday, as security forces continue to battle the gunmen inside.
Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab stormed the famed Hayat Hotel on Friday night, detonating two explosives before entering the building and opening fire, The Guardian reported.
They were reported to be holed up on the top floor of the hotel hours after the attack began.
Explosions and gunfire could still be heard Saturday morning.
A special police unit is said to have rescued dozens of guests and staff from the hotel.
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A 30-hour attack by militants on a hotel in Somalia is called off
The jihadist group claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on its supporters' website.
Meanwhile, the BBC has reported that 10 people were killed by the attack.
