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1st LD: At least 2 killed in blast near Somalia hotel: police

Xinhua, August 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least two people were killed and several others injured in an explosion near the SYL Hotel, which is close to presidential palace in Somali capital of Mogadishu on Tuesday, police said.

Police officer Mahad Afrah said suicide car bomber had targeted the popular hotel frequented by senior government and UN officials.

"The car exploded when the soldiers fired on the speedy car. We can confirm that two people were killed but we are gathering more details," Afrah told Xinhua from the scene.

There are fears of more casualties, and sources said journalists are among the victims.

Witnesses said there is massive destruction in and around the hotel amid gunfire which could be heard from the distance.

Somalia-based Al-Shabaab terror group, which repeatedly staged similar attacks on government buildings and officials, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Endit