3/17/2025
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Ethiopian forces deployed near Somalia border ahead of operations against Al-Shabaab


Saturday March 8, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – The Ethiopian government has deployed a large number of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) near the border town of Feerfeer, which lies along the Ethiopia-Somalia border, Ethiopian media reported on Saturday.

The deployment is in preparation for upcoming military operations targeting Al-Shabaab militants in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.

The deployment follows recent airstrikes carried out by Ethiopian warplanes in the Middle Shabelle region. While details on casualties or damage have not been provided, the strikes are part of Ethiopia's intensified military efforts against Al-Shabaab.

Last month, Ethiopia and Somalia formalized an agreement allowing the deployment of Ethiopian forces under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, Somali authorities recently approved Ethiopia's participation in the mission, signaling stronger cooperation between the two nations in addressing the security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab.

Despite the ongoing deployment, the Somali federal government has not commented on the official arrival date of Ethiopian and other AUSSOM forces in the country, though Ethiopian troops have already been operating within Somalia's borders.



 





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