According to their own statements, fighters from the Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabaab stormed a popular hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Friday evening.
At least six people were killed in the attack, police officer Abdullahi Modobe told the German Press Agency.
The number of victims is likely higher.
According to Modobe, numerous guests are still in the "Hayat" hotel, which was besieged by the terrorists.
The extremists initially triggered four explosions and then stormed the hotel, which was popular with government employees, journalists and business people.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the crime and claimed to have killed at least 20 people.
The country on the Horn of Africa with around 16 million inhabitants has been shaken by attacks by the terrorist group for years.
Al-Shabaab controls large parts of the south and central regions.
The terrorist group repeatedly carries out attacks on security forces, politicians and civilians.