Huge Blast and Gunfire in Central Mogadishu Claimed by Al-Shabaab

A massive explosion followed by gunfire was reported in central Mogadishu on Saturday, near a detention facility frequently used by Somalia’s intelligence service to hold Islamist Al-Shabaab militants, according to a police officer and multiple witnesses.

Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement.

The attack comes amid a wave of renewed assaults by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, which has intensified operations across Somalia, a poor and unstable country in the Horn of Africa.

• Since the start of 2025, Al-Shabaab has seized dozens of towns and villages, effectively undoing much of the progress made by the Somali government during military campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Key Facts:

Eyewitness Accounts

Several residents reported seeing smoke rising above Godka Jilicow after the explosion, followed by intense gunfire.

• Jamal Nure, a witness, told AFP:

"We heard an enormous explosion and I went onto my building's roof. I saw a lot of smoke and an intense exchange of gunfire broke out at Godka Jilicow."

• Hours after the blast, sporadic gunfire could still be heard in the area, which had been cordoned off by security forces, according to another local inhabitant

Al-Shabaab Statement

In its statement, Al-Shabaab claimed: "Mujahideen fighters carried out a martyrdom operation and forced entry today, Saturday, targeting the centre known as Godka Jilacow in Mogadishu."

Security Forces and Response

• African Union troops: Approximately 10,000 soldiers are stationed in Somalia to support government forces.
• Despite their presence, attacks by Al-Shabaab have continued unabated, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the country.
• Notable recent attacks include:
  • March 18, 2025: Bomb narrowly missed the presidential convoy.
  • April 2025: Multiple assaults on Mogadishu’s airport.

Despite the ongoing security crisis, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing forward with plans for the country’s first direct elections next year, signalling a continued commitment to political progress even amid escalating violence.

The situation in Mogadishu remains tense, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in central districts to prevent further attacks.