GEDO, Somalia — Ethiopian forces have initiated significant military operations in the Gedo region of Somalia on Wednesday, escalating tensions between the Somali federal government and the regional state of Jubbaland.
Ethiopia has directly intervened in the ongoing political and security crisis, providing both political and military backing to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who was recently re-elected. Reliable sources confirm that Ethiopian troops, equipped with armored vehicles and not affiliated with the African Union’s ATMIS mission, have crossed into Gedo from Ethiopia.
Jubaland officials supportive of Madobe were reportedly flown to Godey, Ethiopia, for discussions with Ethiopian officials about the situation, which has intensified after Somalia’s federal government deployed additional troops in the area.
The move by Ethiopia could be seen as taking advantage of the discord between Mogadishu and Jubaland, especially in light of strained relations following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s maritime agreement with Somaliland.
The Ethiopian military presence is notably strong in Gedo, where Somali federal forces have also been deployed in the districts of Garbaharey and Beledhawo in response.
Historically, Somalia has accused Ethiopia of interfering in its internal matters, with past instances of Ethiopian troops controlling strategic airports and roads within Gedo.
HORN LIFE