Shocking scenes outside luxury hotel in Somalia where car bomb attack killed at least 20

The al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which took place during the afternoon rush hour on a busy street near a checkpoint that controls access to Mogadishu International Airport. (Photo | AP)

The first two blasts took place almost simultaneously at 4 PM outside the Sahafi hotel, while the third came 20 minutes later in the garage of the adjacent Hayat hotel. (Photo | AP)

Witnesses said a third blast came from a suicide bomber who detonated an explosives-laden vest at the hotel's front entrance, as three attackers in Somali military uniform were shot at the rear entrance. (Photo | AP)

Several terrorists were killed trying to enter the Sahafi, security sources told Radio Dalsan. (Photo | AP)

The two hotels are located just a few meters away from Criminal Investigation Division headquarters in an area of restaurants and bars. (Photo | AP)

Sources said several civilian minibuses and rickshaws that were passing by when the blast occurred, were destroyed and passengers killed and wounded. (Photo | AP)

The bombs destroyed parts of the hotel perimeter despite layered security, and several shops and other buildings nearby were destroyed. (Photo | AFP)