MOGADISHU, Somalia -  A powerful car bomb blast heard outside a popular hotel in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu on Thursday night, Garowe Online reports.

The explosion happened near Hilaac UK hotel on the busy Maka Al-Mukarrama road filled with many business centers, restaurants, stalls, and civilians.

"Most of the casualties are ... people who were spending the time to take tea, there was devastation and buildings were damaged," Mohamed Abdirahman, a Somali Police officer, told Garowe Online by phone.

The blast was so huge, a vehicle containing explosives went off at the gate of the hotel, which is located next to the popular Makka Al-Mukarama hotel that was targeted with car bombs in the past.

There was no claim of responsibility for the hotel attack.

Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda ally in Somalia which is fighting to overthrow the Western-backed Government, is frequently carrying out attacks in and around the capital.

More to follow soon

GAROWE ONLINE