Chaos Erupts in Sierra Leone as Gunfire Resumes Following Assault on Military Barracks
Security forces in Sierra Leone have launched a manhunt in the capital, Freetown, after a jailbreak and attempted attack on a military barracks that resulted in over 13 deaths Fresh gunfire was reported in a suburb as authorities search for suspects
Gunfire resounded in a suburb of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, on Tuesday as security forces conducted a search for suspects tied to a prison escape and an attempted assault on a military barracks, resulting in over 13 fatalities. Residents reported hearing new gunfire in the Murray Town suburb on social media, with the Sierra Leonean information ministry confirming that no injuries were sustained during the shooting.
The ministry announced on Tuesday that shots were fired near the Murray Town barracks as part of efforts to apprehend those responsible for the November 26th incidents. The person of interest has been arrested and is now in custody. Journalist Umaru Fofana reported on Facebook that the presence of soldiers in the Kingtom area caused panic as they worked to recapture fleeing inmates believed to be hiding in the nearby slums.
Manhunt launched
Authorities in the West African country are currently conducting a search to apprehend a large number of escaped prisoners who were released following an attack by armed individuals on a prison and other holding facilities in Freetown early on Sunday.
Colonel Issa Bangura, the spokesman for Sierra Leone's army, told CNN on Tuesday that a botched attack on the army base resulted in the death of thirteen soldiers. He also stated that eight soldiers were wounded and three assailants were arrested, with the possibility of the death toll reaching as high as 20.
Sierra Leone has grappled with a political crisis since the conclusion of a disputed general election in June.
John Wessels/AFP/Getty Images
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The police stated that some of the escaped inmates have surrendered, but did not disclose the number of prisoners who fled. Prison officials believe the number of fleeing inmates could exceed 1,800. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of the assailants or escaped prisoners.
A nationwide curfew has been put in place after a string of attacks on Sunday, causing significant flight delays at Freetown International Airport. The curfew hours were revised on Monday to be from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily local time, "until further notice," according to authorities.
The country's aviation authority announced that airport operations will adhere to the updated curfew times. President Maada Bio condemned the attempted raid on the army barracks as an assault on democracy in the West African nation, which has been dealing with a political crisis following a controversial general election in June.
Police said investigations are ongoing to unravel establish the motive behind the attacks, which were swiftly condemned by the United States, European Union, and regional bloc Ecowas.
