Somali Forces Foil Deadly Al-Shabab Prison Raid in Mogadishu

Security personnel kill seven militants in a fierce six-hour battle at the high-security Godka Jilacow Prison near the presidential palace.

Somali security forces on Sunday confirmed they had successfully repelled an armed attack on Godka Jilacow Prison in Mogadishu, killing seven al-Shabab militants during a tense six-hour standoff. The heavily guarded facility, operated by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), came under assault on Saturday evening when militants disguised as soldiers attempted to storm its compound.

Six Hours of Gunfire and Explosions

Witnesses described a chaotic night in the capital as explosions and gunfire echoed through nearby streets. Residents fled their homes in panic as security forces exchanged fire with the attackers. “We thank God for sparing us from this disaster. We fled the explosion and the skirmishes as soon as they began,” said Halima Hassan, a Mogadishu resident who lives near the prison.

Government Confirms Attackers Neutralized

The Somali government later announced that all seven militants involved in the raid were neutralized. Officials praised the swift action of the security forces, noting that no inmates managed to escape during the assault despite the attackers’ intentions. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its goal was to free some of its detained members. Authorities dismissed this claim, confirming that all prisoners remained secure inside the facility.

Ambulances Rush to the Scene

While the number of casualties among security personnel remains unclear, emergency responders reported transporting several injured individuals to hospitals across Mogadishu. “Our vehicles carried nearly 25 patients from the scene to various hospitals,” said Abdulkadir Adam, a private ambulance owner. His statement suggests the intensity of the firefight and the extent of collateral injuries sustained during the confrontation.

Attack Coincides with Eased City Restrictions

The assault occurred just hours after the federal government lifted several roadblocks that had long restricted movement in the capital. The checkpoints, originally established to protect key government institutions, had frustrated residents who complained they disrupted traffic and business. Security analysts believe al-Shabab may have exploited the reduced restrictions to carry out its operation, testing the city’s defensive readiness.

Calm Shattered After Months of Stability

The attack shattered a period of relative calm in Mogadishu. In recent months, government troops  backed by local militias and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)  had succeeded in driving al-Shabab fighters from several strongholds in southern and central regions. The incident underscores the militant group’s continued ability to launch high-profile attacks despite sustained military pressure.

Regional and International Condemnation

The African Union mission in Somalia condemned the prison assault, calling it a “cowardly and senseless act” targeting national institutions and civilians. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, said in a statement that the incident reflected the group’s disregard for human life and efforts to undermine peace. “This attack once again demonstrates al-Shabab’s utter contempt for stability and its attempts to reverse the hard-won gains in peace and security,” Diene emphasized.

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A Reminder of Ongoing Threat

Despite territorial losses, al-Shabab remains a persistent threat to Somalia’s fragile security landscape. The group frequently carries out bombings and assaults targeting government facilities, military bases, and civilian areas. Saturday’s attack serves as a stark reminder that Somalia’s fight against extremism is far from over. Security experts warn that as the government continues reforms and reduces internal barriers, militant groups may seek new openings to stage symbolic attacks.

Authorities Vow Strong Response

In the wake of the incident, Somali authorities pledged to tighten security measures across the capital and intensify counterterrorism operations. Government spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling al-Shabab networks and ensuring that the recent wave of calm in Mogadishu is restored. “The people of Somalia will not be intimidated by those who seek to sow fear,” a government statement read. “We will continue to defend our country and bring lasting peace.”

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