Somali Forces End Six-Hour Prison Siege, All Attackers Killed

On March 24, 2024, Somali government forces concluded a six-hour siege at the Godka Jilacow prison, located near the president’s office in Mogadishu. The operation resulted in the deaths of all seven militants involved, according to official government statements. Fortunately, there were no casualties among civilians or security personnel during the attack.

The militant group al-Shabab, which has a history of conducting attacks in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the siege. This incident unfolded just hours after the federal government ended a series of longstanding roadblocks in Mogadishu. These barriers were intended to protect vital government sites, but had garnered public criticism for disrupting traffic and commerce.

Government Response and Public Safety

In recent months, Mogadishu had experienced relative calm, attributed to the efforts of government forces, local militias, and African Union troops, who have successfully pushed al-Shabab fighters out of several regions in central and southern Somalia. Despite the attack, the government confirmed that no prisoners escaped from the facility during the incident.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with private ambulance owner Abdulkadir Adam reporting that his vehicles transported nearly 25 patients from the scene to various hospitals across the city. Abdulkadir Yousuf Abdullahi, director of a local hospital, noted that his facility received several individuals requiring emergency and life-saving care. Medical staff are currently working to identify the patients and facilitate contact with their families.

According to state media, the attackers employed a vehicle designed to resemble those used by the intelligence unit’s security forces, highlighting the group’s tactics in executing such operations. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges facing the Somali government as it continues its battle against militant threats.

The siege has raised concerns about the potential for further violence in the capital, particularly in light of the recent lifting of roadblocks that were meant to ensure safety. As the government assesses the aftermath of this attack, the focus remains on enhancing security measures to protect both citizens and critical infrastructure.