Militants attack prison in central Somalia, 2 killed

BELEDWEYNEMonday, August 10, 2015-Fighters from the Al-Qaeda linked group in Somalia have launched an attack on a prison in central Somali town on Sunday night in a bid to free suspected militants in the jail, security sources said Monday.

 

Two assailants were killed before troops repelled the attack in Beledweyne town, Hiiraan region where suspected militants carry out infrequent attacks against government and African Union forces.

A military official Mohamed Nur Aday told HOL that soldiers guarding the prison fought off the militants who tried to storm the prison, and claimed to have killed ‘scores’ of attackers.

“Our troops were vigilant to repel the attack because were tipped off about it in advance.” he said.

No comment could be reached from Al-Shabab on the attack.

There were no immediate details for casualties among the prisoners in the jail which is the largest in the town.

The attack comes as allied Somali and AU forces continue to advance deep into rebel strongholds in Hiran region, seizing towns and villages from militants who are on back to withstand the advancing troops.