On a tense Saturday evening, Somali security forces engaged in a fierce six-hour battle, successfully neutralizing seven al-Shabab militants who launched a daring assault on Godka Jilacow, a high-security prison in Mogadishu.
The facility, managed by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, is one of the capital’s most fortified locations, situated close to the presidential palace.
Attack Details and Response
The assault began with explosions and heavy gunfire echoing through the night, alarming nearby residents.
The attackers, disguised as soldiers, attempted to breach the prison’s defenses in an effort to free jailed al-Shabab members.
However, the Somali government reported that no prisoners escaped, thanks to the swift and decisive response of the security forces.
A local witness, Halima Hassan, recounted the chaos: “The explosions and gunfire were terrifying. We ran for safety as soon as the attack started, praying for protection.”
Casualties and Aftermath
While the exact number of casualties among security personnel remains unconfirmed, Abdulkadir Adam, a private ambulance operator, reported transporting nearly 25 injured individuals from the scene to local hospitals.
The government’s effective containment of the attack prevented a larger catastrophe.
Context of the Attack
The assault followed the government’s decision earlier that day to remove several long-standing roadblocks in Mogadishu, which had been in place to secure key government sites.
While these barriers had restricted traffic and local commerce, their removal marked a step toward normalcy in the capital, which has seen relative calm in recent months due to successful operations against al-Shabab by Somali forces, local militias, and African Union troops.
African Union Condemns the Attack
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia strongly denounced the attack, labeling it a “cowardly act.”
Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, stated,
“This brazen assault underscores al-Shabab’s disregard for human life and their desperate attempts to undermine Somalia’s progress toward peace and stability.”
Ongoing Fight Against Al-Shabab
The al-Qaeda-linked group has been a persistent threat in Somalia, though recent military efforts have weakened its hold on parts of central and southern Somalia.
The attack on Godka Jilacow highlights the group’s determination to disrupt the country’s fragile security gains, but the resilience of Somali forces continues to hold strong.
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