Gunmen attacked a major hotel in the centre of the Somali capital Sunday, according to an AFP reporter, who heard at least two loud explosions followed by intense gunfire.

There was no immediate confirmation who was carrying out the attack, as fighting continued in the hotel popular with government employees and businessmen, which is situated near the major K4 roundabout.

Al-Qaeda affiliated Shebab insurgents have previously carried out a string of attacks on hotels in Mogadis