At least 12 people were killed Friday in an attack in the heart of the Somali capital Mogadishu that was claimed by extremist Shebab militants, a police official said.

At least 12 people were killed Friday in an attack in the heart of the Somali capital Mogadishu that was claimed by extremist Shebab militants, a police official said.

"One of the blasts took place near the Peace Gardens (park) and the other near the SYL hotel. I saw 12 dead civilians, but the toll may well be higher," Ibrahim Mohamed said.