An extremist group, Al Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack at the hotel in the Somali capital. There were few immediate reports of casualties, but the siege was still underway.
The worst drought in 40 years is pushing Somalia to the brink. If it triggers a rare famine declaration, the militant group Al Shabab will also be to blame.
The twin explosions were the deadliest terrorist attack in the country in five years and underscored the growing threat posed by the terrorist group Al Shabab.