MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Somali government forces ended an attack by al-Shabab militants on the Godka Jilacow detention and investigation center in Mogadishu after several hours of fighting, officials said Saturday.
In a statement, the government said security forces killed all seven attackers who stormed the facility, which is operated by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
“The al-Shabab terrorist group launched a cowardly attack on the Jilacow Investigation Center, but security forces quickly contained and neutralized the threat,” the statement said.
Authorities said the attackers used a pickup truck painted in the colors and markings of Somali security forces and wore military-style uniforms to pass through checkpoints without being searched. The government said the incident underscores the urgent need to tighten regulations on vehicles painted in security force colors and to fully enforce arms control laws in the capital.
Officials also described the assault as an act of desperation following recent battlefield losses by al-Shabab. On Oct. 3, Somali forces recaptured several areas in the Lower Shabelle region, including Awdheegle, Raqayle, Shaangarre and Malabo.
In the past 24 hours, airstrikes targeted al-Shabab positions in Jilib, Mubarak, Ugunji and Kunya-Barrow, killing several senior commanders, including Mohamed Osman Mohamed, known as “Tuutax,” the group’s deputy intelligence chief and head of explosives procurement, the government said.
Authorities ordered all security agencies to enforce existing security laws, including regulations on government and private premises and firearms control within the capital.
“The Somali government extends its condolences to the families of the fallen heroes who prevented the terrorist attack and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement said.