The death toll could rise after attackers rammed a car laden with explosives at Nuur Doob Hotel which is frequented by regional government officials, according to local reports.

"So far, we have established that two people were killed and more than 15 others injured," said Daud Haji Irro, a spokesman for Hirshabelle State.

Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen (Movement of Striving Youth), more commonly known as al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it has targeted a hotel housing Hirshabelle regional officials. (ILKHA)