Somalia: Heightened security likely in Mogadishu following security incident at a prison, July 13 /update 1

Heightened security is likely near Mogadishu Central Prison through at least July 13 following an earlier security incident. Reports indicate that several inmates gained access to weapons and explosives. They engaged prison officials in an apparent prison break. Casualties have been reported among security officials and inmates. The suspected attackers are reportedly Al-Shabaab militants. Further details are likely to emerge in the coming hours.

Officials are likely to deploy additional security personnel to the area around the prison through July 13. Authorities could close roads and erect roadblocks. Associated business and travel disruptions are likely. Further violence is also possible. It is unclear if militants outside of the prison supported inmates.