Story highlights The attackers exploded a car at the hotel gate before a gun battle erupted

The hotel is frequented by Somali government officials, lawmakers and security officers

Mogadishu, Somalia (CNN) Gunmen stormed a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Saturday after detonating a car filled with explosives at the hotel gate -- an attack that has left at least 15 people dead and 25 others injured, police said.

Following the car explosion, someone blew themselves up inside the Naso Hablod hotel as gunmen stormed the building, Somali police Capt. Aden Dahir said. Police responded and engaged in a gunbattle with the suspects for several hours, Dahir said.

Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked Gunmen stormed the Naso Hablod hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu Saturday, June 25, after detonating a car filled with explosives at the hotel gate, police Capt. Aden Dahir told CNN. At least 15 people are dead and 25 others are injured. Hide Caption 1 of 6 Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked The destroyed hotel,seen behind a gas station, is frequented by Somali government officials, lawmakers and security officers, Dahir said. The blast was followed by a gun battle inside the hotel. Hide Caption 2 of 6 Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked A Somali soldier takes position during the attack. Hide Caption 3 of 6 Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked Somali men help a wounded civilian. Most of those killed and injured were civilians who were passersby and customers of nearby shops and the gas station, police said. Hide Caption 4 of 6 Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked Security forces examine the scene after the bomb attack. Hide Caption 5 of 6 Photos: Mogadishu hotel attacked A Somali soldier takes position on the street near the scene of the attack, which comes three weeks after suspected Al-Shabaab gunmen set off an explosion and stormed another popular Mogadishu hotel, killing at least 13 people, according to security officials. Three attackers were also killed. Hide Caption 6 of 6

The Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on its main broadcaster, Radio Andalus.

Most of those killed and injured were civilians who were passersby and customers of nearby shops and a gas station, police said.

The hotel is frequented by Somali government officials, lawmakers and security officers, Dahir said.