Islamist extremists attack hotel in Somali capital, hold hostages

Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for attacking a beachside hotel in Mogadishu, trapping civilians inside.
The attack left at least seven people injured and some remain trapped in the hotel as security forces respond.
The Pearl Beach hotel is popular with government officials and located near the Turkish Embassy.
There were two suicide bombings at the entrance followed by gunmen storming the building and taking hostages.
Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for over 15 years, attacking government, commercial and military targets.