AUC Chairperson strongly condemns terrorist attack on Somali prison
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out by Al-Shabaab on 4 October 2025, reportedly targeting the Godka Jilaow prison in the capital city of Mogadishu, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others wounded.
“The Chairperson presents the African Union's most heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Somalia, especially to the bereaved families, and wishes speedy recovery to those wounded in the attack,” a press release by the African Union (AU) on Sunday said.
It said most importantly, the Chairperson has assured the Somali Government of the full solidarity and the unfaltering commitment of the Union, “to neutralise the pervasive threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia, the Horn of Africa region and the entire continent”.
Mr. Youssouf said the role of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), remains highly pivotal to this counter-terrorism agenda, through working closely with the Somalia Security Forces (SSF) in joint operations, for restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.
The Chairperson also called on all AU Member States including the Troop and Police Contributing Countries and the broader international community to intensify support to the Federal Republic of Somalia and the AUSSOM to effectively degrade and eliminate Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups in Somalia.
Somali news outlets reported on Sunday that security forces of the Federal Government of Somalia successfully ended a terrorist attack by al-Shabaab militants on the Godka Jilaow prison, one of the main facilities of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), near the Villa Somalia Presdential Palace compound in Mogadishu,
Hiiraan Online and the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) quoted a statement from the Somali government as saying that seven attackers were killed during the operation. “The attackers have been neutralised,” the statement said.
Hiiraan Online said the attack began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen entering the prison, sparking intense clashes with security forces.
SONNA reported that the attackers used a pickup truck painted in the colours and insignia of security vehicles and wore military-style uniforms to disguise themselves.
“This allowed them to easily pass through security checkpoints in the capital, as no formal inspection is conducted on armed forces vehicles,” the government statement added.
The government said that the incident on Saturday evening underscored the urgent need to regulate and monitor vehicles painted in military colours within Mogadishu.
“It is imperative to fully implement the rules, procedures, and administrative decisions regarding the security of the capital and arms control,” the statement emphasised.
Hiiraan Online said Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its fighters targeted “the underground cell guarded by security forces”. The group said the assault began with a suicide car bomb, followed by infantry fighters storming the compound, and claimed casualties among soldiers.
The government conveyed its condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery. It did not specify the casualty figures among the soldiers.
SONNA said the security forces are conducting a clearance operation at the Godka Jilaow facility after the Al-Shabaab suicide attack.
The Mogadishu assault comes as Somali security forces intensify operations against al-Shabaab in several regions. Al-Shabaab has been carrying out terrorist activities in Somalia for almost many years.
SONNA reported on Sunday that the Somali National Army (SNA) forces, backed by international partners, have intensified operations against Al-Shabaab terrorists, killing senior commanders and liberating new areas in the past 24 hours.
The SNA freed Awdheegle, Raqayle, Shaangarre, and Malabo in the Lower Shabelle region, marking another victory in the ongoing offensive against the terrorist group.
-0- PANA MA 6Oct2025
