Mogadishu (SD) – At least 17 people have been confirmed dead in an still ongoing attack at an Elite hotel on Mogadishu’s Lido beach, according to authorities at the scene.

At least 30 people were injured and gunfire continues inside the hotel between the yet unknown attackers and Somali government forces.

Among those killed in the attack were Abdirizak Abdullahi Abdi, director of regional relations at the Somali government’s Ministry of Information, and Dahir Ali, a FGS ministry of defence staffer.

Among those injured in the attack were Galmudug Minister of Public Works Ahmed Washington, photographer Mohamed Araye Forno of the Somali National Television and Singer Faiza Beela of the Heegan singing Group.

Mogadishu’s famous Lido beach area is a popular destination and is a go to place for civilians and government employees