DHAKA: At least 12 people were killed Friday as twin blasts and gunfire rocked a hotel and neighbouring park in central Mogadishu, police said, in an attack claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants.

Two loud explosions went off near the popular SYL hotel and neighbouring Peace Garden followed by more than an hour of automatic gunfire from 7:45 pm (1645 GMT), reports the 9news.com.au

The hotel and park are located close to the top-security Villa Somalia complex that houses the presidential palace and the prime minister's office.

"One of the explosions took place near the Peace Garden and the other near the SYL hotel," police official Ibrahim Mohamed said.

"I saw 12 dead civilians, but the number could be higher."

Medical sources told local media that at least 25 people had been injured.

The attack is the second in a year to target the SYL hotel, following a suicide bombing there in January 2015 that left five people dead.

The neighbouring Peace Garden is popular with Mogadishu residents, especially on Fridays, thanks to its children's playground and cafe terraces.

The Shebab movement claimed responsibility for the attack in a brief statement on its Instagram account.

"Members of the mujahedeen have carried out an attack on the SYL hotel near the presidential palace," it said.

"The attack began with a suicide bombing followed by gunfire."

The shooting had stopped by just after 9:00 pm (1800 GMT).

BDST: 0836 HRS, FEB 26, 2016
RS