Somali troops have retaken the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu after al-Shabab fighters forced their way in and exchanged heavy gunfire with soldiers and guards.

Al Jazeera's correspondent said loud explosions and gunfire could be heard as troops tried to repel the intruders on Tuesday evening.

After more than two hours of fighting, Somalia's presidency said on Twitter that "the shameful attack" had been foiled by Somalia's armed forces fighting alongside African Union peacekeepers.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.