Somali security forces killed seven al-Shabab militants after a six-hour siege at a high-security prison near the presidential palace on Saturday, the government said.

Authorities said militants disguised in military uniforms used a vehicle resembling one from the security forces to infiltrate Godka Jilow Prison. They detonated a car bomb at the gate before opening heavy gunfire. 

Breaking 🚨: A huge explosion followed by heavy gunfire at Godka Jilicow detention facility, a heavily fortified prison near the presidential palace run by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (@HSNQ_NISA) in Mogadishu, Somali capital. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/1IX30Tj7L1

— GAROWE ONLINE (@GaroweOnline) October 4, 2025

The attackers reportedly tried to free detained members of their group but were stopped before reaching the cells. “No prisoners escaped, and the attackers were all neutralized,” the Ministry of Internal Security said. According to Al Jazeera, three members of the security forces were killed while responding to the assault.

Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility, saying the assault aimed to release imprisoned members.

“We targeted the underground cell guarded by security forces. First it was started with a suicide car bomb and immediately infantry fighters went into the cell compound,” the group said in a statement.

Al-Shabab claimed there were deaths and injuries among government forces.

Al-Shabab has fought the Somali government since 2007 and continues to control territory in southern and central regions.

Despite recent government gains, al-Shabab has retaken several towns, including Adan Yabaal, 200 kilometers north of Mogadishu. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies reported that nearly 60,000 people were displaced by fighting in the first half of 2025.