Police: Gunmen Storm Hotel in Somalia; Al-Shabab Terrorist Group Claims Responsibility

MOGADISHU, Somalia (TheBlaze/AP) -- A Somali police official says gunmen have forced their way into a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

Capt. Mohamed Hussein said Friday that a suicide bomber rammed his car into the SYL hotel's entrance and then some gunmen entered the premises after an exchange of gunfire with hotel guards. The SYL hotel, which is located across from presidential palace in Mogadishu, is frequented by government officials and business executives.

The Islamic extremist al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attack.

A popular park, known as the Peace Garden, also came under fire, according to the BBC.

Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, a spokesman for Al-Shabab, told Reuters that a car bomb first went off at the hotel, and then gunmen stormed the inside of the building.

"We are inside it [the hotel] and fighting continues," Abu Musab reportedly said.

There was no immediate information on any casualties.

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