The Islamic extremist militias of Al-Shabaab attacked the Villa Rosa hotel in Mogadishu, not far from the presidential palace.
The police said so.
The attack is still ongoing. According to some local media, Deputy Defense Minister Abdifatah Kasim was injured in the attack.
The Villa Rosa hotel and its surroundings - writes the Somali Times - are frequented by ministers and other senior officials.
Police spokesman Ahmed Doodishe said in a statement that "the security forces are working to put an end to the attack by Al-Shabaab. Several people have been rescued".
According to the site, explosions and gunshots are heard in the area.