Somali Soldier Honored for Heroic Role in Foiling Al-Shabaab Attack

Somali Soldier Honored for Heroic Role in Foiling Al-Shabaab Attack

Somalia’s federal government has announced plans to honor a soldier who stopped Al-Shabaab militants from advancing toward the presidential palace during Saturday’s deadly assault on the Jilicow detention center in Mogadishu.

State Minister of Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, praised the soldier’s “extraordinary bravery” for intercepting the attackers before they could reach Villa Somalia, the seat of the presidency. “The government will reward the soldier who stopped the Khawarij, as we refer to Al-Shabaab,” Abdi said during a press briefing.

The attack, claimed by Al-Shabaab, targeted the Jilicow prison—a high-security facility managed by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), located close to the presidential compound. Somali forces battled the militants for hours before regaining control.

Minister Abdi downplayed the broader impact of the incident, noting that such terrorist acts occur worldwide and emphasizing that Mogadishu remains relatively stable. “Security in Mogadishu has improved significantly, with only one major explosion in the past year,” he stated.

The Jilicow assault underscores Al-Shabaab’s persistent ability to launch coordinated attacks despite ongoing military offensives in central and southern Somalia. The facility holds high-profile militants and terror suspects, making it a strategic target for the group.

As Somalia continues its counterterrorism campaign with support from local militias and international partners, the government’s recognition of brave soldiers reflects its commitment to strengthening morale and defending the nation’s stability.