Police in Somalia say security forces have ended a siege by al-Shabab militants who attacked a heavily guarded hotel in downtown Mogadishu.

Police officials told Agence France Presse that all the armed assailants had been killed and the situation had returned to normal, with security teams carrying out a thorough clearance of the area.

There was no immediate word on casualties.

Security troops were seen surrounding the SYL Hotel soon after militants had stormed the building in downtown Mogadishu on Thursday evening, witnesses and officials said.

A resident told VOA that an explosion was detonated outside the hotel. Moments later, the witness said he heard gunfire from inside the hotel.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The hotel, a frequent gathering spot for government officials and lawmakers, has been the target of multiple al-Shabab attacks in the past.