🔗 Share this article Militant Fighters Disguise as Military Personnel to Raid Somali Prison Plumes was seen billowing near the government compound on Saturday Seven al-Shabab fighters who carried out an assault on a high-security detention facility in the capital have been eliminated, according to official statements. An enormous blast and sustained shooting were reported coming from Godka Jilicow - a facility that holds al-Shabab members - in Mogadishu on Saturday. In a statement, the militant group claimed it had freed "all detained inmates" from the prison and caused significant casualties on security forces guarding the center. The attackers disguised themselves as soldiers in order to gain entry the detention facility, according to reports published on Sunday. The government did not reveal how many of its security forces were lost during the attack, but expressed sympathies to the families of "those who perished." Likewise, the militant organization did not release a death toll for its affiliated fighters. The clash began at around 16:40 local time (1:40 PM GMT). The detention center is located near the Somali presidential palace, in the center of the capital. It is manned by Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency and detains al-Shabab members and other notable prisoners. The attack represents a significant blow to the security forces and is likely to prompt questions about how the militants were able to access one of the most secure locations in the city. The militant group is linked to al-Qaeda and has waged a violent campaign against the government in Somalia for almost 20 years. Just hours before Saturday's attack took place, the authorities had reopened access to major thoroughfares in Mogadishu which were formerly closed for safety concerns, citing progress in the city's safety.