GAROWE, Somalia Feb 28 (Garowe Online) - Armed militiamen stormed the central prison in the Puntland capital Garowe on Wednesday kiling at least 1 person, reported our correspondent.
The militiamen militarily engaged jail guards in an hour-long battle, which left at least 13 others wounded, including the jail commander and innocent bystanders.
Sources in Garowe said the attackers wanted to free 3 men recently sentenced to death by a Puntland court.
Witnesses reported that the militiamen overwhelmed jail guards with guns in a surprise midday attack, before opening the jail gates to free the 3 inmates.
Garowe residents were confused by the sudden sounds of gunfire in a city renown for its relative calm and stability.
It wasn’t the first time militiamen stormed the jail. In 2005, militiamen attacked the Garowe jail and summarily executed 2 men inside who were already sentenced to death.
Puntland officials were not immediately available for comment.
