At Least 14 Dead As Massive Explosion' Hits Mogadishu Hotel In Somalia

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At Least 14 Dead As Massive Explosion' Hits Mogadishu Hotel In Somalia

According to reports,an attack by the Islamist group al-Shabab in a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu has left at least 14 dead, police say.

Security forces retook the Naso-Hablod hotel after gunmen stormed it and took hostages, officials said.

Those killed are reported to include security guards, civilians and some of the attackers.

A suicide bomber first detonated a car with explosives at the gate of the hotel, and the attackers moved in, officials said.

Once inside, the gunmen shot randomly at guests, a witness said.

"They were shooting at everyone they could see. I escaped through the back door," Ali Mohamud told the Associated Press news agency.

A gun battle then erupted between the attackers and security forces.

Police said at least four men were involved in the assault. It was not immediately clear if guests had also been killed.

The Naso-Hablod hotel, in southern Mogadishu, is often used by politicians and tourists.