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Suspected al-Shabaab militants launched a late-night attack on a government security checkpoint in Mogadishu’s Kahda district on Monday, sparking a fierce gun battle that lasted for about half an hour. The incident happened at the Ali Janaale Hill checkpoint, a key security post responsible for safeguarding entry points to the Somali capital. Witnesses said the militants approached the area on motorcycles before opening fire on the officers stationed there.
Security sources reported that the Haramcad Special Police Forces, who were manning the checkpoint alongside the Polizia Militare, swiftly responded to the assault. The exchange of fire reportedly turned into a close-range battle that caused several casualties, although the exact number of those killed or injured remains unclear. Residents in nearby neighborhoods said they heard heavy gunfire and explosions for nearly 30 minutes before calm was restored to the area.
The attack is believed to have been part of a larger effort by al-Shabaab to disrupt security operations in and around Mogadishu. The group, which has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for more than a decade, often targets police stations, army bases, and checkpoints to undermine state authority and spread fear among civilians.
In a brief statement, the Haramcad Special Police Forces confirmed that their officers had successfully foiled an attempt by al-Shabaab to launch mortar attacks into the city. “The operation took place between the Kaxda Cemetery and the Maracadde area, south of Kaxda District in the Banadir Region,” the statement said. The unit, which is specially trained to handle counterterrorism and urban warfare, plays a key role in maintaining order across Mogadishu’s volatile districts.
Security officials said that while the militants managed to initiate the attack, their plan to inflict wider damage was stopped before it could escalate. Reinforcements from other units reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after the clash began, helping to secure the area and prevent the attackers from advancing further toward the city center.
Although the government has yet to release an official casualty report, local sources suggested that both sides suffered losses during the confrontation. The area remained heavily guarded on Tuesday morning as authorities carried out search operations to ensure that no remaining militants were hiding nearby.
The Kahda district, located on the outskirts of Mogadishu, has seen a rise in militant activity in recent months. Its position along key routes leading into the capital makes it a frequent target for al-Shabaab fighters seeking to infiltrate the city. Despite continued military operations and airstrikes by Somali forces and their international partners, the group has continued to launch sporadic attacks in urban and rural areas alike.
Residents expressed fear and frustration following the latest incident, saying that repeated clashes between security forces and militants have made it difficult to live in peace. “We are always afraid when the night comes,” said one local resident who asked not to be named. “Sometimes the fighting starts suddenly, and we have to hide indoors until it ends.”
Authorities have vowed to strengthen security measures in and around Mogadishu to prevent similar attacks. The Somali government, backed by African Union forces, has recently stepped up operations targeting al-Shabaab hideouts in southern and central regions. Officials say the goal is to weaken the group’s ability to carry out attacks in the capital and eventually eliminate its influence across the country.
While Monday night’s attack underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab, it also highlights the readiness of Somali security forces to respond quickly to such incidents. The government continues to urge residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity and supporting ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in Mogadishu.