Militia forces have reportedly attacked the central prison in the city of Galkayo in Puntland, where people convicted of serious crimes are being held.
Reliable sources say that the armed militias intended to forcefully free prisoners from the prison, which led to a direct battle between security forces and the attackers.
Latest reports indicate that the shooting has now stopped, but it is not yet confirmed whether the attacking militias succeeded in freeing the prisoners they wanted. Official casualties in the gunfight are also unknown.
The central prison in Galkayo has been the target of several similar attacks in the past. It is believed that criminals sentenced to death by the Puntland military court are being held there. Most of the prisoners in the prison are being held for drug-related crimes and clan-based killings.
It was four months ago when a similar attack was carried out on a prison in Galkayo, as militias attempted to forcibly release prisoners. The attack resulted in the death of one person and the injury of two others.
