Mogadishu: At least two people were killed and six others wounded after militants raided Mogadishu central prison, on Friday afternoon freeing dozens of the inmates of the prison, media reported on Friday.
According to reports Somalia’s militant organization Al Shabab on Friday claimed that a group of its fighters stormed into Mogadishu central prison and handled to release dozen inmates who were under imprisonment.
“The Mujahidin today managed to enter and forcibly release many brothers jailed illicitly from the apostate’s prison in Mogadishu.” Radio Andalus, a radio run by militants, announced.
But the head of The Police Custodial Corps of Somali government Col Abdi Mohamed Ismail who spoke to local media rebuffed claiming by the Al Shabab radio as he described the raid on the central prison as “minor incident” brought by complaint prisoners.
“There was small violence inside the main prison today. Some prisoners rejected to enter back to their cells after they have taken the weekly refreshment and begun to protest. Some have jumped over the walls and fled.” Col Ismail explained.
Eyewitnesses told media that Friday’s raid begun after heavily armed men riding two pick-ups stormed into the prison at about 4.00 pm on Friday. Two dozens of prisoners including those convicted as murders managed to escape during the raid.
“I saw men holding AK-47 rifles and fleeing from the prison.” unnamed eyewitness in Hamarjajab district, where the central prison is located said.
There was an hour-long intense gunfire between the militia and the guards of the central prison. One police man was killed and three others were injured.
Reinforcement police were soon sent to the prison as the situation returned calm.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription