IGAD, AU condemn deadly Al-Shabaab attack on Mogadishu prison
IGAD expressed solidarity with Somalia, describing the attack as “cowardly” and commending Mogadishu authorities for their swift response in containing the situation.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has condemned the Al-Shabaab-led terror attack on the Godka Jilow detention facility in Mogadishu on Saturday, which left several people dead and others wounded.
In a statement on Sunday, IGAD expressed solidarity with Somalia, describing the attack as “cowardly” and commending Mogadishu authorities for their swift response in containing the situation.
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The assault on the high-security complex, which houses detained militia members, began late Saturday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Sunday. The militants detonated a car bomb to breach the facility before storming it on foot.
“IGAD commends the professionalism and courage of Somalia’s security personnel whose quick response averted greater tragedy,” said IGAD.
The regional bloc further underscored the need for sustained counterterrorism efforts to eradicate Al-Shabaab.
“This attack will not shake Somalia’s courage or our region’s resolve. IGAD stands firmly with the people and Government of Somalia in the fight against terror and in pursuit of lasting peace and stability,” added IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu.
The African Union Commission (AUC) also denounced the attack, extending heartfelt condolences to the Somali government and its citizens.
In a statement, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on all AU member states and the international community to strengthen support for Somalia and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in their efforts against Al-Shabaab.
Role highly pivotal
“The role of AUSSOM remains highly pivotal to this counter-terrorism agenda, through working closely with the Somalia Security Forces (SSF) in joint operations, for restoration of peace and stability in Somalia,” he said.
Earlier, the Somali government announced that seven Al-Shabaab fighters had been killed during the attack and that security forces had regained full control of the facility.
According to Al Jazeera, at least three Somali security personnel were killed while repelling the assault, though authorities expect the death toll to rise given the scale of the incident.
“The cowardly attack by Al-Shabab terrorists was swiftly foiled, and all seven militants were killed within a short time,” the Somali government said in a statement.
Mogadishu authorities reported that the attackers disguised themselves in Somali military uniforms and used vehicles painted with National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) insignia to bypass checkpoints before detonating the suicide car bomb.
Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility, stating the assault was part of an operation dubbed “Support for the Oppressed,” allegedly aimed at freeing Muslim prisoners held by the government.
The group claimed to have freed several fighters from the facility, though Somali officials have not confirmed this.
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