At least nine killed as jail break turns gun-battle in Mogadishu prison

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At least nine killed as jail break turns gun-battle in Mogadishu prison

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - At least four inmates and five soldiers have been confirmed dead as several others sustained injuries following a violent prison-break in Mogadishu central prison on Monday, police and government officials said.

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Heavily guarded Mogadishu Central Prison. (PHOTO/FILE).

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - At least four inmates and five soldiers have been confirmed dead as several others sustained injuries following a violent prison-break in Mogadishu central prison on Monday, police and government officials said.

The jail-break started after about 10 inmates successfully obtained weapons and begun firing guards in the heavily-fortified prison in the capital, Mogadishu. Explosions were also heard from inside.

A police officer told Horn Observer that five soldiers and four inmates were killed during the gun-battle.

"We don't know where they got the weapons. There had been several explosions inside. It is tense inside and they are shooting every corner. Nine killed and four of them are the inmates," Colonel Ali Mohamed said.

A local security officer told Horn Observer that about 10 armed inmates engaged in several hours gun clash forcing the prison guards to retreat from their locations.

"The inmates were convicted al-Shabaab members. It seems the weapons were sneaked into the prison from outside. This is not a normal jail break. It is a well-planned attack from inside," Hassan Ali, a former officer of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said.

Officials have not yet commented on how the inmates obtained weapons including hand grenades.

In a statement, Ismail Mukhtar Omar, the spokesperson of Somali information ministry said the forces forces killed four prisoners who attempted escape from the jail after engaging in gun battle with the guards.

The official also confirmed that there were other deaths and injury but did not specify.

There were no additional information whether any prisoners escaped.