Sierra Leone: 13 soldiers, others killed in Sunday attacks on prisons, armoury
Hooded armed men in military fatigues stand on a street after unidentified gunmen attacked military barracks and attempted to break into an armoury at Congo Cross roundabout in Freetown, Sierra Leone November 26, 2023. REUTERS/Umaru Fofana
No fewer than thirteen soldiers were among the 19 people killed during Sunday’s violence in Sierra Leone, after an attack on a military barracks and prisons.
Speaking after the violence that gripped the country, an army spokesman, Col Issa Bangura said 13 soldiers, one police officer, one civilian and a private security employee were among the people killed along with three of the attackers.
The people of the West African country were thrown into confusion on Sunday amid a disarray in the capital, Freetown.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education described the attacks as “co-ordinated and planned” which also led to the severe injuries of eight soldiers.
The BBC quoted the Reuters news agency that some 1,890 inmates escaped in the attack on prisons.
Reports say the gunmen planned to invade the presidential residence on Sunday morning but quickly moved on after failing to capture a nearby armoury and overcome President Julius Maada Bio’s security guards.
In a televised address on Sunday evening, president Julius Maada Bio described the incident as a “breach of security” and an attack on democracy.
The nationwide curfew earlier imposed has been relaxed.
Key Western allies including the US, UK and EU have condemned the attack while delegates from ECOWAS and Nigeria are expected to meet Sierra Leonean officials for talks.
