Hotel attacked by rebels in explosion

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A hotel in Somalia’s capital has been hit by an explosion and an attack by jihadist rebels, police have confirmed.

A vehicle loaded with explosives crashed into the entrance gate of the Afrik hotel, near Mogadishu’s strategic K-4 junction, on Sunday afternoon, police spokesman Sadiq Adan Ali said.

A number of armed gunmen then quickly invaded the hotel, opening fire on staff and patrons inside, he said.

Al-Shabab, Somalia’s homegrown jihadist rebels, claimed responsibility for the attack through their Andalus radio station.

In a separate incident, at least eight children have died and scores of others were wounded when a bomb went off in the Golweyn area, 74 miles south of Mogadishu.

Associated Press People flee the area as gunshots are heard on a street near the Afrik hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Sunday.