Islamists attacked a hotel and the famous Lido beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu, causing death at least fourteen people and injuring over thirty, DPA reported, quoted by BTA, citing a police spokesman.
The death toll is likely to rise as battles between local forces and the attackers continue, the agency said.
Appalling footage has been distributed on social networks, DPA notes. They show people running along the beach, terrified and screaming amid echoing gunshots.
Rescue teams are unable to reach all the injured to help them because of the ongoing shooting. In addition to firearms, explosions are also heard.
Lido Beach is a popular weekend destination for Mogadishu residents. The shooting was preceded by a suicide bombing by an Islamist, DPA said, citing police data. The Islamist terrorist group "Ash Shabab" took responsibility for the attack with a statement on its radio, the agency added.