Seven Al-Shabab fighters were killed after attempting to storm a major prison complex in Mogadishu in a bid to free detained members of their group. The incident, which led to an hours-long gun battle, is one of the most significant assaults on the Somali capital in recent months.
The attack targeted Godka Jilow, a heavily guarded underground prison located near the presidential palace and known for holding Al-Shabab militants. The assault began with a powerful car bomb blast, followed by intense gunfire and explosions that echoed across Mogadishu. During the security response, three government officers lost their lives while suppressing the attackers.
According to Somali security officials, the militants arrived in vehicles painted to resemble those used by the country’s intelligence agency and wore military-style uniforms, enabling them to bypass several security checkpoints without detection. This strategy raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the capital’s security measures, especially as the attack occurred just hours after the government reopened dozens of roads that had been closed for over a decade due to insecurity.
The assault came at a time when authorities had expressed optimism about improved security conditions in Mogadishu. Prime Minister Hamza Barre had recently cited “visible changes” in safety across the city as he oversaw the reopening of key routes. However, the successful penetration of one of the city’s most secure areas has cast doubt on these claims.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has been waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government since 2007. Despite numerous counteroffensives, the group continues to control large parts of southern and central Somalia. In recent months, it has regained ground after reversing several government gains and capturing key towns such as Adan Yabaal, a crucial logistical hub north of the capital.
The failed prison raid underscores the group’s continued ability to strike high-profile targets within Mogadishu, even in areas deemed secure. Security analysts argue that the attack reflects a disconnect between the government’s optimistic portrayal of progress and the on-the-ground realities faced by security forces and civilians.
While authorities continue to battle Al-Shabab’s entrenched presence, the latest incident serves as a reminder that the group remains a potent threat capable of launching coordinated attacks in Somalia’s most fortified zones.
