Mogadishu, Somalia – A violent clash erupted in the Somali capital on Wednesday after armed guards linked to former national leaders stormed a police station during an official visit by the country’s Police Commissioner, authorities have confirmed.
According to the Somali Police Force, the heavily armed group opened fire on the station while Commissioner Gen. Asad Osman was on site. The attack left several officers wounded and caused extensive damage to police vehicles parked in the compound.
In the chaos, detainees held on serious charges managed to escape. Officials did not disclose the exact number of inmates who fled, but sources indicated that some of them were accused of violent crimes and terrorism-related offenses.
Security officials described the assault as a deliberate attempt to undermine law enforcement and destabilize Mogadishu. The incident highlights the growing tension between security institutions and political power brokers who retain heavily armed militias.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire and explosions as officers attempted to repel the attackers. The Commissioner was unharmed, but police sources said the attack posed a direct threat to his life.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and vowed to track down both the escaped prisoners and the perpetrators behind the raid.
“This was an assault on the state itself,” a senior police officer said, calling for accountability from those connected to the former leaders whose guards were implicated.
The raid comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with security reforms, the ongoing transition from African Union forces to national responsibility, and persistent threats from Al-Shabaab.