MOGADISHU, (HAN) – The Somali Federal Government has pledged to reward a soldier who helped prevent Al-Shabaab militants from advancing toward the Presidential Palace during Saturday’s attack on Godka Jilicow in Mogadishu.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital on Sunday, State Minister for Defense Omar Ali Abdi addressed the assault carried out by the extremist group on the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) detention facility, known as Godka Jilicow.
Minister Omar described the incident as a “normal attack” comparable to those witnessed in other parts of the world.
“The attack on Godka Jilicow by the Khawarij (Al-Shabaab militants) is similar to other terrorist attacks that occur globally. Mogadishu has been relatively secure — only one explosion has occurred in the past year,” said the State Minister.
He added that the government will honor the bravery of the soldier who stopped the militants from advancing toward the Presidential Palace.
“I assure you, the government will reward the soldier who prevented the Khawarij from crossing toward the Presidential Road. That soldier, and others who show similar courage, will be recognized and rewarded,” Minister Omar stated.
His remarks come after a group of Al-Shabaab fighters launched an attack on Godka Jilicow, a high-security prison managed by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The facility is located close to the Villa Somalia, the Presidential compound in Mogadishu.
