(22-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Ethiopian military forces, equipped with helicopters and heavy weaponry, have crossed into Somalia’s Gedo region. This action marks a considerable intensification in the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, rooted in a controversial MoU agreement.
The revelation of this incursion came from Mohamed Aden Rukow, a prominent local politician, during an interview with Shabelle Radio on Monday. Rukow meticulously detailed the Ethiopian military’s formidable advance. “In the past 24 hours, a considerable number of Ethiopian soldiers have penetrated the Dolow district of the Gedo region, armed with advanced weaponry and supported by helicopters,” he disclosed. According to Rukow, these forces significantly differ from those previously deployed in the region, being notably more heavily equipped.
Rukow delineated the military incursion’s pathway, noting, “Armed with military vehicles and substantial weaponry, these troops have been advancing across the bridge linking Dolow, Ethiopia, to Dolow, Somalia.” The presence of such a heavily armed contingent has sparked apprehension among the local populace, who are increasingly anxious about the potential for conflict.
Further elaborating on the military strategy, the politician disclosed the distribution of these forces across strategic locations within the region. “They are strategically positioned along two main routes; one leads to Luuq, and the other heads towards Geed-Weyne, encompassing the area surrounding Dolow airport,” he explained.
This deployment follows a notable meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. In a firm declaration, Al-Sisi asserted, “Egypt stands resolute in its commitment to Somalia’s security. We will not stand by if external forces threaten the Somali people. Egypt is unwavering in its support and ready to act if called upon.”
This incursion comes amid a fraught period in Somali-Ethiopian relations, following disagreements over an illegal MoU with the breakaway region of Somaliland with Ethiopia.
With the region’s stability at risk, there is an urgent call for diplomatic intervention by the international community, particularly from regional organizations and neighbouring countries, to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Halqabsi News
