Al-Shabab: Islamist militants attack hotel in Somali capital

The militant group Al-Shabab says it has taken control of a hotel near the centre of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Police said attackers detonated two explosives outside the hotel, before entering the building and opening fire.

In a statement, the Islamist group claimed to be in control of the complex and said they are "are shooting everyone".

The Hayat is said to be a popular location for employees of the federal government to meet.

Security officials said several causalities have been reported and police and army forces are exchanging fire with the militants.

Unverified images circulating on social media appeared to show smoke billowing from the hotel.

"Two car bombs targeted Hotel Hayat," a police officer told the Reuters news agency in a statement. "One hit a barrier near the hotel, and then the other hit the gate of the hotel. We believe the fighters are inside the hotel."

An affiliate of al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab has engaged in a long running conflict with the federal government.

The group controls much of southern and central Somalia but has been able to extend its influence into areas controlled by the government based in Mogadishu.