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The death toll of the Somali hotel attack that occurred on Friday is likely to rise as security forces attempt to regain control of the hotel.  Police surrounded the Hotel Maka Al Mukaram, but heavy gunfire from militants prevented them from mounting a rescue operation.

They say at least four gunmen had trapped an unknown number of people inside the building. So far fifteen people have been killed and dozens others wounded. The attack started, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden car at the gate of the hotel.

The Alshabaab group has claimed responsibility, but it remains unclear who was being targeted. Recent attacks by Alshabaab in the Somali capital have often targeted government troops, lawmakers and foreigners.