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:
| Item | Details |
| Target | Godka Jilicow detention facility, Mogadishu |
| Proximity | Near the presidential palace |
| Attacker | Al-Shabaab (claimed via statement) |
| Security presence | 10,000 African Union soldiers stationed in Somalia |
| Recent attacks | March 18 bomb near presidential convoy, April attacks on Mogadishu airport |
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.
