MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Explosions and heavy gunfire erupted near Somalia’ s presidential palace on Saturday in an attack by a militant group targeting a major prison just hours after the federal government lifted roadblocks in place for years in the capital.

Residents in the central Mogadishu district of Bondhere reported hearing explosions and gunfire and seeing smoke billowing from the prison, which also serves as the headquarters for the regional intelligence unit.

A resident, Hibo Mohamed, told The Associated Press by phone, “We are truly scared. The city had been calm for months, but now everyone feels anxious once more.”

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group, which is based in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had released prisoners.

The governme

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