MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government says its troops have retaken the presidential palace in the capital of Mogadishu, after Islamic militants forced their way in and exchanged heavy gunfire with troops and guards.
Loud explosions and gunfire could be heard inside the heavily fortified compound. After more than two hours of fighting, Somalia’s presidency said in a Twitter update that “the shameful attack” had been foiled by Somalia’s armed forces and African Union peacekeepers.
It said the “attack is over” and that the compound has since been secured, but gave no details about any casualties or what happened to the militants.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.