Somalia’s elite security units successfully foiled an al-Shabab attempt to storm Godka Jilacow Prison in Mogadishu on Saturday night, ending a dramatic six-hour siege that left seven militants dead. The heavily fortified detention center, run by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), is located near the presidential palace in one of the most secure parts of the capital.
Fierce Gun Battle Near the Presidential Palace
The assault began with a wave of explosions and gunfire that echoed across Mogadishu, sending residents into panic. Officials said the attackers wore army uniforms to disguise themselves while trying to free detained al-Shabab members. Security forces, however, responded swiftly, neutralizing the assailants before they could breach the prison walls. No prisoners escaped during the incident.
Eyewitness Halima Hassan described the chaotic scene: “The gunfire was constant. People were running everywhere, terrified and praying it would end soon.”
Casualties and Emergency Response
Authorities have not released the exact number of casualties among the security forces, but ambulance operator Abdulkadir Adam confirmed that about 25 injured individuals were taken to local hospitals. Officials praised the rapid coordination between police and intelligence units, noting that their decisive action prevented a larger catastrophe.
Background to the Attack
The assault occurred only hours after the Somali government removed several long-standing roadblocks in Mogadishu. The barriers had been installed to protect major government sites but were criticized for obstructing traffic and economic activity. Officials said the decision was part of a broader plan to restore normal movement and public confidence in the capital. The city has enjoyed relative calm in recent months thanks to successful joint operations by Somali troops, community militias, and African Union forces against al-Shabab in central and southern Somalia.
African Union Condemns the Attack
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) strongly denounced the assault, describing it as a cowardly act aimed at destabilizing the country. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the AU’s Special Representative to Somalia, said, “This reckless attack shows al-Shabab’s disregard for human life and its desperation to derail Somalia’s progress toward peace and stability.”
Somalia’s Continuing Fight Against Militancy
Although al-Shabab has lost substantial territory in recent years, it continues to launch attacks on security installations and government institutions. The failed raid on Godka Jilacow underscores both the group’s persistence and the growing effectiveness of Somali forces in defending critical infrastructure. Officials vowed to intensify operations to eliminate the militant threat completely and maintain the nation’s fragile security gains.
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