Several killed in an attack in south eastern Ethiopia

ESAT News (February 14, 2017)

ESAT’s intelligence sources say at least 20 members of the Somali special forces unit were killed in Gursum and Bombase in south eastern Ethiopia.

The attack was reportedly carried out in retaliation by armed residents in the Oromo region of southern Ethiopia where the Somali forces had reportedly carried out incursions and looting.

Weapons and ammunitions were also seized by the residents during the retaliatory attack.

Two commanders of the Somali special forces were also killed in the attack.

Following the attack, the Somali forces have detained several people, it was learnt.

An official with the Oromo Regional State last week accused the government of having a hand in the recent killings and cattle raiding by the Somali Region Special Forces against the Oromo people in East Hararghe, Bale and Borena.

Head of the regional communication bureau, Addisu Arega told local media that government bodies had a role in the incursions, looting and killings by the Somali Region Special Forces against the Oromos.

Last month, the Oromo Federalist Congress warned of grave consequences of the abduction, cattle raiding and killings perpetrated by the Somali Region Special Forces against the Oromos.