Somali Capital Rocked By Gunfire And Bombs

The Somali Youth League (SYL) hotel is frequented by government employees. BBC

CNN: Explosions, gunfire rock Somali capital

(CNN)Explosions and gunfire echoed around Somalia's capital on Friday night, evidence of another spate of violence in the East African nation.

A large blast rocked central Mogadishu followed by the rattle of bullets, according to a Somali official nearby. Another, smaller explosion -- not to mention continued gunfire -- could be heard about 30 minutes later.

Somali security forces, meanwhile, rushed to the scene of the apparent violence, a Somali police source told CNN.

The National Intelligence and Security of Agency (NISA) of Somalia tweeted that the Hotel SYL was apparently targeted, though it wasn't clear if the attackers got past the hotel's gates.

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More News On Today's Attack In Mogadishu

At least 20 dead in Somalia hotel attack -- SBS
Police: 14 dead as al-Shabab gunmen attack hotel in Somalia -- AP
Al Shabaab Storms Hotel After Bombing a Park in Mogadishu -- VICE/Reuters
Somalia al-Shabab: Deadly attack on SYL hotel in Mogadishu -- BBC
Car Bomb Explodes Near Presidential Compound in Somalia Capital -- Bloomberg