A group of armed militants are laying siege to the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, according to eyewitness reports of gunfire and explosions at the scene. The luxury hotel is frequented by government officials and politicians.

Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to local reports. Witnesses say heavy gunfire can still be heard within the premises, though it’s not clear how many people are inside. Some also said the attackers – four to five militants – had donned Somali security personnel uniforms.

"We thought they were police but they started hurling grenades and firing us when they neared and so we exchanged fire at the gate of the hotel," a police officer told Reuters.

Video: That is the road from Elgab, via Peace Garden towards the Presidential Palace. Preliminary reports indicate SYL hotel was targeted. The hotel is close to the Palace. pic.twitter.com/5CeGTsKj9n — Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) December 10, 2019

BREAKING: Heavy gun battle between suspected AlShabaab militants & police inside SYL hotel in Mogadishu, popular with ministers, MPs & military officials. pic.twitter.com/ZOzrk2pkXu — The African Voice (@teddyeugene) December 10, 2019

UPDATE: Al-Shabaab militants just claimed the responsibility of the attack on SYL Hotel which is just 650m away from @TheVillaSomalia, the #Somalia presidential palace in #Mogadishu. Casualties reported incl. gov't officials and politicians.Heavy gunfire can be heard. pic.twitter.com/ykoxhySK8i — Horn Globe (@Horn_Globe) December 10, 2019

One MP who escaped from the scene told others there were casualties, but this has not yet been confirmed.

Two of the attackers were gunned down at the entrance of the hotel, while the rest of the group managed to get into the compound, deputy police commissioner General Zakia Hussen has said. At least 82 civilians, including several government officials, were rescued from the hotel, she added.

Two of the attackers were gunned down at the entrance of the hotel, while the rest of the group managed to get into the compound, deputy police commissioner General Zakia Hussen has said. At least 82 civilians, including several government officials, were rescued from the hotel, she added.

Also on rt.com Twin attack targets US military base & Italian convoy in Somalia

Al-Shabab targeted the hotel in a devastating car bomb attack in February 2016, killing 14 people including five militants and causing enormous damage to nearby buildings.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!