MOGADISHU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Multiple explosions targeted a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday evening, and the casualties were unknown, an eyewitness said.
The explosions followed by gunfire were reported in the Hayat hotel which is frequented by lawmakers and politicians.
"The gunmen stormed Hayat hotel which is near a security checkpoint. They are still fighting inside the hotel. Both the gunmen and security forces are now exchanging fire," an eyewitness who declined to be named told Xinhua by phone.
He said some of the blasts were also heard near Afrik and Sahafi hotels and it was not clear if the two were also attacked.
More details are not immediately available and there has been no official announcement on the matter so far. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack in the capital. ■