NIGHT OF TERROR: Twin bombs hit Mogadishu, over 10 killed, at least 40 injured

A suspected hostage situation ensued past midnight in Mogadishu Thursday as at least ten people died in twin bombings that rocked the city between 8 and 10 pm local time.

Sustained gunfire and occasional blasts could still be heard past midnight emanating from Maka al Mukarama hotel where Al-Shabaab militants were alleged to have moved in engaging security forces in fire exchange.

Ambulance services and medical sources had earlier put the death toll at five while 25 others were injured. However multiple reports later in the night indicated over ten had been killed with at least 40 others ferried to various hospitals in the city.

Buildings and vehicles were damaged by fire following the deadly blast. Photo: courtesy

The militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. Pictures from the scene showed buildings engulfed in fire as the busy Maka al Mukarama street turned into a horror scene.

The first blast went off around Maka al Mukarama hotel at 8.30 pm local time followed by a second one some minutes to 10 pm at KM 4 Junction which is barely a kilometre away. In the second blast, flames could be seen from a distance as the deafening blast went off.

The busy Maka al Mukarama street was a scene of horror as flames went up buildings. Photo: courtesy.

Police sources said the attackers could be holed up in a building next to Maka al Mukarama road.

The free ambulance service Aamin Ambulance said it had increased deployment of vehicles and personnel to respond to the escalating situation.