Al-Shabab attack on Mogadishu Hotel, leaves 14 dead

An attack by the Islamist group, al-Shabab in a HOTEL IN the Somali capital Mogadishu has left at least 14 dead. Security forces retook the Naso-Hablod hotel after gunmen stormed it and took hostages today.

Those killed are reported to include security guards, civilians and some of the attackers.

A suicide bomber first detonated a car with explosives at the gate of the hotel before the attackers moved in.  Once inside, the gunmen shot randomly at guests, a witness said.

"They were shooting at everyone they could see. I escaped through the back door," Ali Mohamud told the Associated Press news agency.

A gun battle then erupted between the attackers and security forces.

Police said at least four men were involved in the assault.

The Naso-Hablod HOTEL, in southern Mogadishu, is often used by politicians and tourists.