Ethiopian authorities have arrested more than 80 individuals suspected of ISIS affiliation across multiple regions, thwarting plans to carry out terror missions, including in the capital, Addis Ababa.
The arrests come amid escalating violence in northeast Somalia, where clashes between government-aligned and separatist militias have left eight dead and 24 injured.
Key Developments in Northeast Somalia:
Counter-Terrorism Operation in Ethiopia
According to Fana Media Corporation, citing the Ethiopian Intelligence and Security Service, the suspects had received training in Puntland, Somalia, a region bordering Ethiopia.
The coordinated effort between Ethiopia’s Federal Police and regional security forces led to the capture of 82 suspects in various parts of the country.
Foiled Terror Plot
Several suspects allegedly provided financial and logistical support for terrorist operations planned in Addis Ababa and other regions. Authorities have not disclosed details about their nationalities.
Militia Clashes in Northeast Somalia
Tribal leaders report fierce fighting in Tahar, Puntland, about 260 kilometers from the regional capital, Garowe.
The confrontation between militias supporting Somalia’s federal government and separatist factions resulted in eight fatalities and 24 injuries.
Kenyan Military Casualties Near Somalia Border
In a related development, the Kenyan army confirmed the deaths of three soldiers after an IED exploded during a patrol near Kiunga, a coastal town close to the Somali border.
Regional Security Outlook:
The arrests and militia clashes highlight growing instability in the Horn of Africa, where al-Shabaab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, continues cross-border assaults.
Analysts believe these actions aim to pressure regional governments—particularly Kenya—to withdraw troops from peacekeeping missions in Somalia.
Ethiopia’s security operation signals enhanced cross-border vigilance, as relations between Somalia and Ethiopia remain tense despite recent collaboration within the African Union’s peace and stabilization efforts.
Source: Al-Bayan
