Isniin 15 July 2024 {HMC} The Somali Custodial Corps Commander, General Mahad Abdirahman Adan, known as Commander Shub, has announced plans to honour Hassan Hussein Rage, the late guard of Mogadishu’s Central Prison, with a posthumous promotion and a hero’s monument following his courageous actions during a recent deadly attack.
Rage was killed during an Al-Shabaab escape attempt from the prison, where he refused to hand over the keys to the militants. His defiance thwarted their escape plan as he threw the keys outside, preventing the armed prisoners from gaining control of the prison. The attack resulted in the deaths of five attackers and three prison guards​​​​.
“There are soldiers who died there, and we will erect a monument to them. Hassan Hussein Rage’s actions during the attack were crucial in preventing a larger disaster. He had the keys and threw them outside (of the prison) and was shot. This man sacrificed his life for the country. His bravery will be recognized with a posthumous promotion and the construction of a monument in his honour within the prison grounds,” said Commander Shub
The Commander did not comment on how the prisoners obtained the weapons.
Somalia’s Attorney General has ordered a thorough investigation into the attack to uncover how the militants obtained weapons inside the prison. This investigation seeks to hold accountable any individuals who may have facilitated the attack or were negligent in their duties​​.
Al-Shabaab has a history of targeting prisons and other government facilities. A similar attack in March 2021 resulted in the deaths of seven soldiers when Al-Shabaab militants stormed another Somali jail​​.
The ongoing conflict with Al-Shabaab continues to pose significant security challenges for the Somali government. However, recent military operations in regions like Hiiraan and Mudug have demonstrated progress in weakening the militant group’s capabilities. These operations, supported by local militias, have led to considerable casualties among Al-Shabaab fighters and the disruption of their operations
