MOGADISHU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An unknown number of people were feared dead after militants stormed a popular beachside hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Friday evening, police and witnesses said.
Police and witnesses told Xinhua that a blast targeted Lido Beach hotel and restaurant, which is located near some government security buildings in the city.
"I heard two loud explosions followed by continued gunfire within the vicinity of the hotel. Gunshots could be heard from the beach area. There was an exchange of fire between al-Shabab fighters and hotel security," said a resident who did not want to be identified.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the beach after militants opened fire at the hotel, witnesses said.
The number of casualties is still unclear. Locals said there were several people inside the hotel, which is frequented by senior government officials.
Witnesses said security officers killed some of the militants involved in the attack, and that a rescue operation is underway.
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