Seven Al-Shabaab militants were killed in a suicide attack orchestrated by the group in Mogadishu late Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by the Somali government on Sunday. The attack targeted a detention facility housing some of the group’s members and unfolded over several hours, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Somalia, a nation grappling with poverty and instability in the Horn of Africa.
This incident marks a notable resurgence of violence from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, which has intensified its operations in the region. According to a statement from the Somali interior ministry, security forces successfully neutralized the threat, eliminating all seven attackers involved in the assault.
The attack commenced with a powerful explosion that reverberated through the city, felt by an AFP correspondent two kilometers away at the time. Upon arriving approximately 30 minutes later, the correspondent reported hearing multiple blasts and continuous gunfire emanating from the Godka Jilicow detention facility, located near the presidential palace. This facility is frequently used to detain Al-Shabaab militants pending trial.
Local residents recounted hearing sporadic gunfire for over three hours following the start of the assault, indicating the intensity and prolonged nature of the conflict. The government has yet to disclose whether any security personnel were casualties in the incident.
The conflict between Somalia and Al-Shabaab has persisted since the mid-2000s, with varying levels of success for Somali forces. However, the current year has seen a marked decline in stability. The militant group has regained control of numerous towns and villages, reversing significant governmental progress achieved during a military campaign conducted in 2022-2023.
Despite the escalating violence, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is advocating for the nation to conduct its first direct elections in the coming year. On the same day as the attack, he visited Jubaland, where recent clashes between the army and regional forces have erupted, primarily regarding electoral disputes. The situation remains tense, with the government facing ongoing challenges from extremist groups as it attempts to stabilize the country and move forward with its electoral agenda.
