Somali security forces have confirmed the deaths of seven al-Shabab militants following a six-hour siege on the Godka Jilacow prison complex in the capital on Saturday evening.

The attack, which shattered months of relative calm in Mogadishu, targeted one of the city’s most fortified sites near the presidential palace.

According to officials, the militants disguised themselves as soldiers to infiltrate the high-security facility operated by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency. Explosions and gunfire erupted around the prison, sending residents fleeing in panic. 

Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda–linked group behind the assault, claimed it aimed to free imprisoned members. However, the Somali government stated that no inmates escaped during the attack. The full extent of casualties among security personnel remains unclear, though ambulance services reported transporting nearly 25 injured individuals to hospitals.

The assault came just hours after the federal government lifted long-standing roadblocks across Mogadishu, a move intended to ease traffic and commerce. The timing has raised concerns about the city’s vulnerability amid ongoing security reforms.

In recent months, Somali forces—supported by local militias and African Union troops—have made gains against al-Shabab in central and southern regions. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia condemned the attack as “cowardly,” with Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene stating it reflected the group’s “utter disregard for human life” and its intent to undermine progress in peace and security.

Authorities have since reinforced security around key installations as investigations into the incident continue.