Somali security forces find themselves locked in fierce and chaotic confrontations with al-Shabaab militants following a brazen and meticulously coordinated assault on the high-security Godka Jilaw prison, strategically situated near the presidential palace in the heart of Mogadishu.

This unsettling information has been confirmed by multiple officials and eyewitness accounts.

The audacious attack erupted late Friday evening, heralded by a thunderous car bomb explosion that shattered the evening calm and erupted violently at the prison entrance, sending billows of smoke and debris spiraling into the sky.

In the wake of this explosive opening, a torrent of heavy gunfire ensued as armed militants, clad in tactical gear, stormed the compound, intent on liberating detainees, including several high-profile al-Shabaab operatives held behind its fortified walls.

Al-Shabaab quickly took to social media to claim responsibility for the operation, framing it as a critical maneuver to galvanize support and rejuvenate their campaign amidst ongoing military offensives.

Government sources reported a swift and resolute counterattack from Somali security forces, who rallied to stave off the attackers after hours of brutal firefights, characterized by the sharp crackle of gunfire and the acrid odor of gunpowder. “Our forces neutralized multiple attackers and restored control of the area,” stated a police spokesperson, emphasizing the gravity of the unfolding situation.

Mop-up operations are currently underway to ensure no lingering threats persist within the vicinity. As officials work diligently to assess the aftermath of this violent confrontation, the exact number of casualties among security personnel and civilians remains undetermined.

Local residents recounted a scene of sheer terror and chaos, as powerful explosions reverberated through the city center, accompanied by the relentless barrage of gunfire echoing ominously for miles. In response to the escalating violence, local authorities rapidly initiated lockdown protocols in nearby government offices, hotels, and businesses, scrambling to protect civilians caught in the turmoil.

Emergency services faced daunting obstacles in navigating the perilous landscape created by the ongoing clashes and the debris strewn across the streets from the initial explosion.

This alarming incident starkly highlights al-Shabaab’s persistent ability to orchestrate high-profile assaults within the capital, demonstrating their resilience even amidst intensifi

ed government and African Union military operations targeting their strongholds in central and southern Somalia. The extremist group, intent on toppling the Somali government and establishing a fundamentalist regime, has escalated its campaign of terror against vital infrastructure, targeting military bases, government edifices, and essential public services.

In the aftermath of the attack, authorities have swiftly reinforced security measures around key strategic locations in Mogadishu, including the presidential compound, international airport, and various government ministries. Investigative efforts into the prison assault are now underway in earnest as the situation remains fluid, with the government grappling with the relentless threat posed by al-Shabaab and the profound implications for national security.

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