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Ethiopian soldiers entered the central Somali town of Beletwein
Friday evening, a day after Islamist rebels raided government
installations and killed three soldiers, our correspondent
reported.
The Ethiopian army contingent, which is normally based in the
outskirts of Beletwein, entered the town around 10pm local time.
Somali officials in Beletwein told Garowe Online that the
Ethiopian soldiers will take part in efforts to secure the seat
of government in Hiran region, which borders Ethiopia.
Witnesses said Ethiopian soldiers armed with assault rifles were
on foot patrol throughout Beletwein city streets alongside
Somali government troops.
The Ethiopian soldiers erected temporary bases at strategic
locations inside the town, including the police station, the
main city bridge and atop hotels.
Hotel owners and some residents expressed anxiety about the
possibility of attracting insurgent attacks, since Islamist-led
insurgents have vowed to attack any place where there are
Ethiopian soldiers present.
On Saturday morning, the Ethiopian soldiers returned to their
base in the outskirts of Beletwein, leaving security control
over to their Somali government allies.
Locals said this is the first time they have seen Ethiopian
combat troops on foot patrol during routine security operations.
Six suspects were arrested yesterday, including a Beletwein
businessmen, for alleged links to Thursday night's deadly raids
on key government installations.
None of the detainees have been brought to court so far.
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Interent Repression in Ethiopia
