Thursday May 29, 2025

Galkacyo (HOL) — Armed militiamen launched a coordinated assault on the central prison in Galkayo early Thursday morning in an apparent attempt to forcibly free inmates, according to reliable local sources.

The attack triggered a fierce gunfight between Puntland security forces and the assailants, disrupting the city’s calm and raising concerns over repeated prison breaches.

While the gunfire has reportedly ceased, officials have yet to confirm whether the attackers succeeded in freeing any prisoners. The number of casualties resulting from the firefight remains unknown.

The Galkayo Central Prison holds individuals convicted of serious crimes, including drug trafficking and clan-related killings, and those sentenced to death by the Puntland military court. Due to its high-risk population, the facility has been the target of multiple attacks in recent years.

A similar incident occurred four months ago when an attempted prison break led to the death of one person and injuries to two others.

Authorities have not yet commented on who was behind the latest assault or whether any security lapses occurred. Security forces remain on high alert as investigations continue.

The recurrence of such attacks has raised alarm over the security of key detention centers in Puntland and the broader implications for law enforcement and judicial authority in the region.