The main ambulance service in Mogadishu confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on Twitter.

"Aamin Ambulance crew near Weheliye Hotel to rescue and evacuate injured civilians after VBIED denoted at Maka Mukarama Street,” said the tweet, using the acronym for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

 “As of now death toll reaches six and 21 injured civilians."

"The car bomb attack took place near the Weheliye Hotel, we don't know yet what the real target was," Sgt. Adan Abdulle, a police officer said.

He added that casualties could rise as the attack happened during rush hour.

Weheliye Hotel is located in central Mogadishu along Maka Al-Mukarama Street, the busiest street in the capital.

Local media also reported that at least 14 people were killed in the blast.

Somali-based al-Qaeda affiliated group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on the Internet.

Last October, at least 300 people died in a double car bombing in Mogadishu, the deadliest attack in modern Somali history.