Description: Al Qaeda affiliate terrorist group, Al Shabab, has conducted one of its most sophisticated operations to date, infiltrating Somalia’s Godka Jilacow prison, operated by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The terrorists infiltrated the prison bearing valid credentials from NISA and were additionally disguised by a marked vehicle, enabling them to gain access to the inner space of the prison. They initially attacked by detonating the explosive laden vehicle while breaching the door of the prison, where up to seven militants conducted an additional armed assault, freeing most of the prisoners and laying siege to the building for several hours. Members of the Gaashan unit, elite commandos trained by the Ground Branch forces of the CIA, stormed the compound neutralizing the attackers and launched a search operation which resulted in recapturing many of the escaped prisoners. Al Shabab, shortly after the attack, publicly claimed responsibility and stated the attack was conducted to free the oppressed prisoners. The attack arrived after the Mogadishu – led government lifted the blockade in the capital after several months of stabilized security prognosis.
Impact: The sophisticated terrorist attack arrives after months of numerous ground offensives by Al Shabab which indicated the group’s elevated sources and methods of conducting operations in Somalia. After several months of capturing key strategic cities around the capital such as Maxaas and Hiraan, Al Shabab is further exploiting internal political divisions and Somalia’s vast dependence on foreign sponsored security apparatus to expand territorial and operational control across the country. The fractured government in the country splintered amongst five semi – autonomous regions would continue to struggle against larger terrorist organizations such as Al Shabab without forming a unified anti and counterterrorism force to counter the threats. The situation in the country would continue to deteriorate while terrorist groups such as Al Shabab and the Islamic State would continue targeting key strategic points.