Ethiopian troops move into Somalia ahead of offensive against Shabaab

Contingents of Ethiopian troops Wednesday moved into Somalia in what could be part of a build up to a major offensive against Al-Shabaab following president Farmaajo’s visit to Ethiopia last week where he affirmed Ethiopia’s enhanced support.

Goobjoog News correspondent in Gedo region said several military vehicles carrying soldiers drove through the border town of Dolow since Wednesday evening and more could still be seen this morning.

“Around 35 military trucks came through Dolow yesterday around 5pm and have been gathering at Luuq town. Somali military personnel whom I have spoken to said more Ethiopian troops will still be coming in today.”

Luuq town is about 65km from the border town of Dolow.

The troops’ movement comes amid an ongoing security meeting between President Farmaajo and heads of federal state governments in Mogadishu which aims among others to craft a joint strategy involving the integration of regional forces into the national army in readiness for operation against Al-Shabaab.

President Farmaajo had vowed to avenge the October 14 deadly bombing in Mogadishu which claimed more than 400 lives and injuring hundreds others. Another bomb attack October 28 killed 27 people and injured more than 30 others.

The president also sought the help of Djibouti and Uganda with reports indicating Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni expressed will to send 5,000 more troops but on condition of UN support.

Ethiopia which was last to join Amisom in 2014 contributes 4395 troops based in sector three which covers parts of Gedo region and south western regions of Somalia. Besides soldiers under Amisom command, Ethiopia also has troops inside Somalia as part of bilateral agreement with Somalia.