Somali Government Forces End Six-Hour Siege at Major Prison
Government forces killed all seven attackers during a six-hour siege at a major prison in Mogadishu.
MOGADISHU: Somali government forces successfully ended a six-hour siege by militants at a major prison located near the president’s office in the capital, Mogadishu, killing all seven attackers.
The government stated that no civilian or security officers were killed during the Saturday attack, which was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab militant group.The attack on the Godka Jilicow detention facility, holding some of the group’s militants, lasted for several hours and highlights a worsening situation in Somalia, an unstable country in the Horn of Africa.
The siege came just days after the federal government lifted several long-standing roadblocks in Mogadishu, which had been in place to safeguard critical government sites but were also seen as obstructing traffic and commerce.The security forces successfully ended the terrorist attack by shooting all seven gunmen involved, according to a statement from the Somali interior ministry.
Local residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire for over three hours after the assault began.
The government has not provided information on any security forces casualties during the incident.Ambulances transported nearly 25 patients from the scene to various hospitals, while a private hospital director confirmed receiving an unspecified number of patients and providing emergency care.
State media reported that the militants used a vehicle disguised as one belonging to the intelligence unit’s security forces.Mogadishu has experienced relative calm in recent months due to government efforts, supported by local militias and African Union troops, which have pushed Al-Shabab fighters out of central and southern Somalia.
However, there has been a resurgence in attacks from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, which has taken control of dozens of towns and villages since the beginning of the year, undoing governmental progress made during previous military campaigns.Despite the tense situation, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing for the country to hold its first direct elections next year.
The head of state also visited Jubaland province on Sunday, where recent clashes between the army and regional forces have occurred primarily due to electoral disagreements.
The government stated that no civilian or security officers were killed during the Saturday attack, which was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab militant group.The attack on the Godka Jilicow detention facility, holding some of the group’s militants, lasted for several hours and highlights a worsening situation in Somalia, an unstable country in the Horn of Africa.
The siege came just days after the federal government lifted several long-standing roadblocks in Mogadishu, which had been in place to safeguard critical government sites but were also seen as obstructing traffic and commerce.The security forces successfully ended the terrorist attack by shooting all seven gunmen involved, according to a statement from the Somali interior ministry.
Local residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire for over three hours after the assault began.
The government has not provided information on any security forces casualties during the incident.Ambulances transported nearly 25 patients from the scene to various hospitals, while a private hospital director confirmed receiving an unspecified number of patients and providing emergency care.
State media reported that the militants used a vehicle disguised as one belonging to the intelligence unit’s security forces.Mogadishu has experienced relative calm in recent months due to government efforts, supported by local militias and African Union troops, which have pushed Al-Shabab fighters out of central and southern Somalia.
However, there has been a resurgence in attacks from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, which has taken control of dozens of towns and villages since the beginning of the year, undoing governmental progress made during previous military campaigns.Despite the tense situation, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing for the country to hold its first direct elections next year.
The head of state also visited Jubaland province on Sunday, where recent clashes between the army and regional forces have occurred primarily due to electoral disagreements.
