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All seven militant attackers who carried out an attack on a maximum-security detention facility in the capital have been neutralized, according to official announcements.

A huge explosion and sustained gunfire were heard coming from Godka Jilicow - a complex that holds militant fighters - in the capital on Saturday evening.

In a statement, the militant group stated it had freed "all detained prisoners" from the prison and caused significant losses on security forces protecting the center.

The militants posed as military personnel in order to gain entry the detention facility, according to accounts released on the following day.

The government did not reveal how many of its personnel were killed during the attack, but offered condolences to the families of "the fallen heroes."

Similarly, the militant organization did not provide a death toll for its own militants.

The clash commenced at around 4:40 PM in the afternoon (1:40 PM GMT).

Godka Jilicow is situated near the Somali palace compound, in the heart of the capital. It is operated by the country's National Intelligence and Security Agency and detains militant members and other notable prisoners.

The attack represents a significant setback to the intelligence agency and is expected to prompt questions about how the militants were able to enter one of the most secure locations in the capital.

Al-Shabab is linked to the global terrorist network and has conducted a brutal insurgency against the government in the country for nearly two decades.

Hours before Saturday's attack took place, the government had reopened key thoroughfares in Mogadishu which were formerly blocked for security concerns, citing progress in the city's security situation.