Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is reportedly preparing to withdraw troops deployed in parts of Somalia who are not part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Accounts close to the matter told Horn Frequency that troops deployed in the Bay, Bakool and Hiran regions will be withdrawn shortly and could potentially be redeployed to Amhara, Tigray and Afar regions, where the security situation is deteriorating and military clashes are escalating.
Military experts close to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) told Horn Frequency that the government plans to deploy the experienced troops in these areas, anticipating that the situation could involve both guerrilla and conventional warfare. The experts said the troops are trained for both types of military operations.
Horn Frequency could not independently verify the information. Neither the Ethiopian nor Somali government has officially commented on the reported plan.
A potential withdrawal of Ethiopian troops could create a security vacuum in parts of Somalia, amid escalating fighting between Laftgreen’s forces and the government, while al-Shabab is also reportedly strengthening its presence.
Intelligence analysts told Horn Frequency that the Mogadishu government could face difficulties filling the potential security gap, as its military is already overstretched. They also said Turkey’s involvement could potentially increase.
