This image captures the moment a bomb explodes at a hotel in the Somali capital.

A second bomb goes off in quick succession...it's followed by exchanges of gun fire between security forces and the attackers.

The third blast occurred about an hour later when a bomb went off inside a car being searched by the military.

This is the crumpled remains of a car at the scene.

Police say that at least one of the bombs appeared to be a suicide bomber.

Emergency services arrived at the Jazira Hotel -- one of the securest places in Mogadishu frequented by politicians and foreigners.

Ambulance workers said at least 11 people were killed and they expect the death toll to rise.

This attack underscores the major security challenges facing the government.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the Islamist rebel group al Shabaab has carried out a campaign of attacks over the past two and a half years in Somalia