People lost their lives after a suicide car bomb exploded and gunmen opened fire at a hotel in the African country of Somali presided upon by Hassan Mohamud.

Ceoafrica gathered that the attack took place at the Dayah hotel, of the Somali’s capital, Mogadishu where some members of parliament were thought to be staying, police said today.

At least seven people are reported to have been killed, although some reports suggest the figure could be higher.

The Islamist militant group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack.

"At least 13 people, including forces and civilians, died in two blasts at the hotel, a dozen others were injured," Major Mohamed Ahmed, a police officer, said.

He added that the death toll can rise.