2nd LD: Explosions, heavy gunfire occur in Somali capital, killing at least 12 killed: police

At least 12 people were killed here capital on Sunday in an attack with a car bomb outside a hotel, police said.

Gunmen have on Sunday stormed Sahafi hotel at Km4 junction in Mogadishu, police and witnesses said, after they exploded a car bomb.

At least two laud explosions were heard, followed by intense gunfire between police and the attackers.

According to Ahmed Ali, a senior police officer, the attack started with suicide car bomb rammed into the gate of the hotel, saying that at least 12 people were killed and 10 others were injured

"After they went off the car, gunmen entered the hotel exchanging fire with the security, at least 12 people died and 10 others injured in the attack. We are trying to return the situation to normal," he said.

Witnesses reported that the explosions were huge and targeted Sahafi hotel at the busy km4 junction in Mogadishu.

"We heard huge car bomb explosions at the hotel and heavy gunfire, it's early to know more details," Jama Abdi, Mogadishu resident told Xinhua. Endi