Fresh gunfire was reported in a suburb of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, on Tuesday as security forces conducted operations to apprehend suspects linked to a jailbreak and a thwarted attack on a military barracks. The incidents resulted in the deaths of more than 13 people.
Residents of Freetown shared on social media that a new round of gunshots was heard in the Murray Town suburb on Tuesday afternoon. The Sierra Leone information ministry stated that no injuries were reported during the shooting.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry explained, “As part of ongoing operations to apprehend those responsible for the incidents of November 26th, a few shots were fired around the Murray Town barracks vicinity.” The statement also confirmed that a person of interest had been arrested and was in the custody of the security forces.
Freetown-based journalist Umaru Fofana also said in a post on Facebook that in the Kingtom area of the city, “the presence of soldiers … caused panic” on Tuesday as they moved to recapture fleeing inmates who are “believed to be hunkering down around the slums” in the area. Fresh gunfire was reported
A manhunt is underway in Sierra Leone as police attempt to recapture dozens of inmates who were set free when armed individuals attacked a prison and other detention centers in Freetown early Sunday.
Sierra Leone’s army spokesman, Colonel Issa Bangura, reported to CNN on Tuesday that 13 soldiers were killed during the botched attack on an army base. Additionally, eight soldiers were wounded, and three assailants were arrested. The death toll could potentially rise, with estimates suggesting it might be as high as 20. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order and capture the escaped inmates.