Updated | Somali militants ram car bomb into hotel, killing at least 13

At least 13 people have been killed in a coordinated gun-and-bomb attack carried out by Al-Shabab militants at a popular hotel in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, according to police.

The assault on Wednesday morning began when attackers rammed an explosives-packed car into the gate of Dayah Hotel, which is near Somalia's parliament in central Mogadishu, and then stormed inside exchanging fire with security guards.

The hotel is popular among politicians.

A second massive car bomb blast shook the area shortly afterwards when ambulances and journalists had arrived at the scene, leaving at least four reporters wounded, according to AFP news agency.

Police officer major Mohamed Ahmed said a dozen people had been wounded, in addition to the 13 killed who included members of the security forces and civilians. "The death toll may rise," he added.

Another police officer, colonel Abdiqadir Hussein told Reuters that security forces later managed to secure the building.

"We have rescued the people and concluded the operation at Dayah Hotel. The security forces are now inside the hotel and we shall give further details of casualty later," he said.

Duniye Mohamed, a doctor at Madina hospital where some casualties were taken, said the injured included people with "very serious" wounds.

Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which until 2011 controlled Mogadishu and much of Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack.

"Well-armed mujahideen (fighters) attacked the hotel, and now they are fighting inside the hotel," reported Somalia's Andalus radio, which is linked to al Shabaab.

The insurgents often launch bomb and gun attacks in the capital, saying they want to topple the Western-backed government and impose their strict interpretation of Islam on the nation.