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A terrorist attack targeting a prison facility in Somalia has ended after a nearly 5-hour-long attack by al-Shabab militants.

Getting into it: The attack, which began around 4:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, targeted the high-security Godka Jilicow prison in central Mogadishu (a fortified underground facility known to house members of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group). It kicked off with a car bomb blast at the prison gate, followed by a coordinated assault by heavily armed militants. Eyewitnesses reported intense gunfire and multiple explosions just blocks from the presidential palace. The militants, disguised in military uniforms and driving vehicles made to resemble those of Somalia’s intelligence service, managed to bypass multiple security checkpoints in the capital.

Once inside, the militants opened fire on guards, prisoners, and civilians. Security forces, including the Gaashaan Commandos from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), responded and engaged in a lengthy firefight, ultimately neutralizing all seven attackers. Three members of the Somali security forces were killed during the operation, while 85 prisoners and several civilians trapped during the assault were rescued unharmed. NISA praised its commandos for their professionalism and rapid containment of the threat.

The timing of the attack has drawn particular attention, occurring just hours after the Somali government lifted several roadblocks that had been in place for over a decade in Mogadishu.

Prime Minister Hamza Barre had earlier in the day announced the reopening of key roads as a sign of improved security, and local media broadcast footage of military checkpoints being dismantled.