The attack on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers and diplomats.
Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion.
They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace.
Al-Shabaab — allied to Al-Qaeda — was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu.
The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants, and has also staged attacks in neighbouring Kenya.
Police officer Suleyman Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel’s service doors and emergency exits.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began.
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