Security Update: Incident at Godka Jilacow Prison, Mogadishu

Summary of Events

On Saturday, al-Shabab militants launched an attack on the Godka Jilacow prison complex in Mogadishu, Somalia. The site, managed by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, is among the city’s most secure locations. The Somali security forces reported the elimination of seven attackers following a six-hour confrontation.

Details of the Attack

• Militants disguised as soldiers to gain entry.
• Explosions and gunfire were reported at the scene.
• No prisoners escaped during the attack, according to the Somali government.

Witnesses described the chaos, and a local ambulance service confirmed transporting nearly 25 individuals to hospitals. Casualty figures among security personnel were not immediately available.

Context and Reactions

This incident occurred shortly after the Somali government removed roadblocks in Mogadishu, which had been in place to protect key sites. The African Union condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly” and an attempt to undermine recent security improvements in the region.