KABUL: (Middle East Press) Gun-battle at the Maka al-Mukarama hotel in Somalia has claimed 17 lives including the Somalian ambassador to Switzerland, Yusuf Bari Bari, Officials said.
The militants are now on the top floors and the roof, firing guns and throwing grenades.
The attack took place after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed car outside the building.
However, US-trained Somali Special Forces have been able to take back control of most of the hotel.
Other diplomats have succeed to escape by jumping from windows.
Police officer Major Ismail Olow told Reuters that he believed there were originally nine attackers, six of whom had been killed.
Police officials have already launched an investigation regarding the attack to take full control of the building.
The hotel is popular with government officials and business people
