MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Further details have emerged following a violent confrontation on Wednesday between opposition-aligned militias and government security forces at the Warta Nabadda district police station in Mogadishu.
The intense battle led to multiple injuries, significant property damage, and the escape of prisoners detained on serious criminal charges.
According to an official statement issued by the Somali Police Force, the clash began when armed militias stormed the station, targeting security personnel and infrastructure.
The police confirmed that several detainees managed to escape during the chaos. These individuals had been held for serious crimes and were awaiting prosecution or sentencing.
“The attack resulted in the escape of dangerous prisoners who were being held for grave offenses,” the police statement read. “Several officers stationed at the facility were also injured, and significant damage was inflicted on police vehicles and the station building itself.”
The Somali Police Command condemned the assault, describing it as a “cowardly act orchestrated by armed elements associated with former political leaders.” They warned that such actions only serve to destabilize the country and support the objectives of terrorist groups.
“We urge the Somali public to avoid joining or supporting groups that threaten national security or work to facilitate terrorist agendas. These groups aim to undermine the government’s ongoing security operations,” the statement continued.
In a show of government response, senior military leadership was reportedly present at the time of the incident.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Somali National Army, Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi, and the Banadir Regional Police Commander, General Mahdi Omar Mu’min, were conducting an inspection at the site when the attack occurred.
Authorities believe that the presence of recently transferred high-risk detainees may have triggered the attack, describing it as a “coordinated attempt to free criminal elements under custody.”
“The Somali Police Force affirms that any individual or group found responsible for compromising public security will face immediate legal consequences,” the statement concluded.
Political Tensions Escalate
The incident occurs amid rising tensions in Mogadishu, where political rifts between the federal government and opposition factions have reached a boiling point. The confrontation at the Warta Nabadda station is widely seen as a symptom of broader unrest in the capital.
Mogadishu Mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungab) weighed in on the situation, strongly condemning the opposition’s efforts to organize public demonstrations.
“There is no protest they can call for. They do not control the throne, they do not control Sinai, and they have no authority to designate protest areas,” said Mayor Muungab, in a firm message to the opposition.
The mayor went on to issue a stern directive to law enforcement and security agencies: “As the governor of Banadir region, I hereby declare that any individual who endangers the peace and stability of Mogadishu will face legal action in accordance with the law.”
As tensions simmer and security forces remain on high alert, the Somali government faces increasing pressure to contain political dissent and prevent further violence. The events at Warta Nabadda station underscore the fragility of the current situation and the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation.