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| Gunmen launch fatal Somali hotel attack | Gunmen launch fatal Somali hotel attack |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A number of people have been killed after a suicide car bomb exploded and gunmen opened fire at a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu. | A number of people have been killed after a suicide car bomb exploded and gunmen opened fire at a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu. |
| The attack took place at the Dayah hotel, where some members of parliament were thought to be staying, police said on Wednesday. | The attack took place at the Dayah hotel, where some members of parliament were thought to be staying, police said on Wednesday. |
| At least seven people are reported to have been killed, although some reports suggest the figure could be higher. | At least seven people are reported to have been killed, although some reports suggest the figure could be higher. |
| The Islamist militant group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack. | The Islamist militant group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack. |
| The Reuters news agency quoted a police officer, Major Mohamed Ahmed, as saying: "At least 13 people, including forces and civilians, died in two blasts at the hotel. A dozen others were injured. | |
| He added that the death toll could rise. | He added that the death toll could rise. |
| 'Security inside' | |
| Eyewitnesses said the attackers used a vehicle laden with explosives to blast their way into the hotel and once inside they started shooting. | |
| Shortly after the first blast another vehicle exploded, killing and wounding more people who had gathered around. | |
| Police officer Colonel Abdiqadir Hussein told Reuters security forces later managed to secure the building. | |
| "We have rescued the people and concluded the operation at Dayah hotel," he said. | |
| "The security forces are now inside the hotel and we shall give further details of casualty later." | |
| The hotel is located less than a mile away from Somalia's presidential palace and is popular with dignitaries, including MPs. | |
| The attack comes at a time when the country is preparing for indirect elections where MPs are set to choose a president. |