Somali security forces fought on Saturday to push back al Shabaab militants who stormed Godka Jilaow, a high-security underground prison near the Villa Somalia presidential compound, a witness and the government said.
The facility holds detained fighters from the al Qaeda-linked group, which has waged an insurgency since 2007 and made recent gains in rural areas.
“We heard a huge blast at the cell gate and soon an exchange of gunfire started,” said Ahmed, a paramilitary soldier stationed nearby. “More forces were deployed to eliminate the fighters. The operation is still ongoing.”
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, saying a suicide car bomb opened the assault before gunmen entered the compound and fought inside, adding that soldiers were killed and wounded.
State television said the attackers used a vehicle disguised as a security forces car to breach the entrance. “Some of the fighters were shot dead. What’s going on is the last operation to eliminate the fighters who attacked the place,” the government statement said.
Residents reported hearing the initial explosion followed by sustained gunfire. Casualty figures were not immediately available.