Militants detonated two vehicles loaded with explosives in an attack on the Hotel Dayah in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Wednesday -- a hotel where government officials frequent. At least 28 people were killed, and the Islamist group al-Shabab took credit for the attack. Photo by Said Yusuf Warsame/European Pressphoto Agency

Jan. 25 (UPI) -- More than two dozen people died Wednesday when gunmen opened fire and set off explosives at a hotel in downtown Mogadishu, Somalia, authorities said.

At least 28 people died and more than 50 were injured in the attack at the Hotel Dayah. Islamist terrorist group al-Shabab, which has previously carried out similar attacks in Somalia, took responsibility for the plot in a post on its website.


"They kicked down room doors and at some point posed themselves as rescue teams by telling those inside to come out (only) to kill them," witness Hassan Nur said.

Eyewitnesses said a truck loaded with explosives detonated at the hotel, which is located near the Somali Federal Parliament and presidential residence and often attracts lawmakers and other officials. Attackers then stormed the hotel and began shooting.

Another vehicle that delivered some of the gunmen exploded about 40 minutes after the first blast, killing and injuring several who had gathered at the scene. Officials believe it was set off by remote control.

Several people escaped the four-story hotel by jumping out windows. The attackers were all killed.

Officials said two security guards were also killed during the assault in a neighboring building.

The attack Wednesday came as the country prepares for a parliamentary election of its president.