Africa

Explosion Near Mogadishu Prison Shatters Period of Calm

Smoke fills the sky as explosions and heavy gunfire erupted near Somalia’s presidential palace in an attack by a militant group in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 4.Source: AP Photo

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By Mohamed Sheikh Nor and Mohamed Omar Ahmed

October 4, 2025 at 4:35 PM UTC

Updated on

October 5, 2025 at 7:35 AM UTC

A powerful explosion struck near the Godka Jilacow complex in central Mogadishu on Saturday, just hours after Somalia’s government lifted several roadblocks, citing improved security.

The blast, close to the presidential palace, was followed by heavy gunfire, police and eye witnesses said.