MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) –At least 10 people were killed including 5 security guards and 4 inmates in Mogadishu prison attack after Al-Shabaab inmates launched an assault on security guards, Somalia‘s government officials have confirmed on Monday.
Reports say inmates obtained weapons and grenades smuggled into the prison before launching an attack targeting security guards. Officials say the weapons were hidden in foods and other items given to the prisoners when they receive weekly visits.
The attack took place in one of the sections of the prison where inmates serving long term sentences are held, before spreading to other parts of the jail.
Sources close to the commander of the prison said the inmates managed to gain access to weapons owned by security guards before launching the attack, repudiating statements made by security officials that weapons were smuggled to the base.
Somali police say they have restored order and security forces are now in control of the situation, hours after clashes erupted inside the prison.
According to local media, security forces shot dead four Al-Shabaab inmates, wounding two others. The clashes also left at least 5 security guards dead and 7 others wounded.
One of the inmates who launched the attack is said to have escaped the prison as clashes intensified on Monday afternoon. Security officials say a manhunt operation is underway to bring the escapee back to the jail.
It is not the first time inmates escape Mogadishu’s central prison, on the contrary, several Al-Shabaab prisoners managed to get away from the jail several months ago.
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MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) –Al-Shabaab inmates have taken control of Mogadishu’s central prison following fierce fighting with security guards in which a number of people are said to have been killed, Somalia’s government officials have confirmed to media on Monday.
The fighting erupted on Monday afternoon after the inmates gained access to weapons and launched an offensive targeting prison guards.
An unspecified number of prison guards have been killed in ensuing gunfight which is still underway. Inmates are using grenades, pistols and rifles in the fierce exchange of gunfire with security forces –who are fighting to retake control of the prison.
Heavy military and police presence is being felt outside the prison which is currently under the control of Al-Shabaab inmates.
Security officials who spoke to local media on the condition of anonymity said at least 6 inmates were killed trying to escape the prison during heavy fighting.
A number of inmates are said to have escaped the central prison as fighting intensified on Monday afternoon, according to security officials.
Police officials say situation will soon be brought under control, stopping short in giving further details
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