Opinion - Al-Shabab militants who crossed into eastern Ethiopia last week are still active inside the country despite claims by local officials that the force has been "destroyed," say officials and security experts.
An armoured personnel carrier is seen through a rifle hole of another on January 20, 2012, during a firefight following an advance with the Somali National Army to capture Mogadishu University in insurgent Al-Shabaab territory on the outskirts of Mogadishu city.Al-Shabab militants who crossed into eastern Ethiopia last week are still active inside the country despite claims by local officials that the force has been"destroyed," say officials and security experts.
Omar Mohamed Abu Ayan, a former al-Shabab official who now lives in Sweden, says the incursion was likely mounted for propaganda reasons. Somali regional and intelligence officials now believe the militant group's attacks on those towns were diversionary. "There were two groups - a group fighting at the border, and a second unit that went through," he said."They passed through Aato road while the fighting was taking place; they are headed for Bale region," between Ethiopia's Somalia and Oromia states.
"We were told they crossed the border, but they did not go far," Tall said."They are somewhere between us and Gode and Qallafo. We have not heard about them encountering fighting but it's possible they will."A former Al-Shabab member who did not want to be named for security reasons said the group's plan is to erect their black flag inside Ethiopia, and then release a prepared statement declaring that"jihad spread to a new front" in the Horn of Africa.
"Reports from the field suggest that some AS units have penetrated as far as 100 kilometers inside Ethiopia and may still be active," he said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Orlando Pirates target Mustafa Nadhim unveiled as Al Faisaly signingOrlando Pirates have had the rug pulled out from under them in their reported pursuit of defender Mustafa Nadhim. Read more here ➡️
Read more »
Al Ahly coach receives more bad newsWith Al Ahly's form recently taking a dip, new head coach Ricardo Soares has reportedly received yet more bad news. 😬 More here! ➡
Read more »
Bafana Bafana defender Thibang Phete joins UAE side Al BataehBafana Bafana defender Thibang Phete has completed a move to the United Arab Emirates. Full story ➡️
Read more »
International human rights commission probes war crimes in Ethiopia | News24The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia started investigating war crimes in the country on Monday, and the transitional government of Tigray called on it to be impartial. | CdeLENIN
Read more »
Lavrov denigrates West's stance towards Africa during Ethiopia visitRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow supported Ethiopia's efforts to stabilise its internal political situation in remarks that sought to draw a contrast with what he presented as meddling by the West.
Read more »