A violent prison breakout attempt occurred at the main prison in Mogadishu, Somalia on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five inmates and three guards. The inmates, believed to be members of the Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group Al-Shabaab, had allegedly obtained weapons and launched a well-coordinated escape plan.
Witnesses described hearing explosions and heavy gunfire near the prison compound, with some even witnessing police reinforcements entering the prison shortly after the incident began. According to Colonel Abdiqani Khalaf, spokesman for the Somali Custodian Corps, the situation is now under control and investigations are underway.
The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) released images of the five deceased alleged Al-Shabaab gunmen. Al-Shabaab has been actively fighting to overthrow the fragile Somali government for over 17 years, carrying out numerous attacks throughout the country. While the government has been working with local militias and international forces to combat Al-Shabaab, the group has recently made significant gains, claiming control of several strategic locations in central Somalia. This latest incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia and the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
