Ethiopian troops occupy strategic crossroad in central Somalia
1 Feb 1, 2009 - 8:48:07 AM
BELETWEIN, Somalia Feb 1 (Garowe Online) - Ethiopian troops have reentered parts of Hiran region, in central Somalia, weeks after completely withdrawing from Mogadishu and other parts of the country, Radio Garowe reports.
The Ethiopian army contingent backed by armored trucks took control of Kala-Beyr crossroads, gaining a foothold in a strategic road that links north Somalia, south Somalia and the Somali-inhabited Ogaden region of eastern Ethiopia.
Ethiopian soldiers
Witnesses said travelers and vehicles passing through the crossroads are being stopped and searched by Ethiopian soldiers, although no major problems were reported other than delays.
Unconfirmed reports said ex-Somali government officials and a small number of Somali soldiers are working with the Ethiopian force.
The Ethiopian government maintains a major army base at Fer Fer, across the border from Kala-Beyr crossroads.
Somali insurgents shelled the army base inside Ethiopian soil last month, prompting Addis Ababa to take control of that strategic entry-point and defend against Islamist infiltration, a military source suggested.
Much of Hiran region, including the provincial capital Beletwein, remains under the control of the Islamic Courts movement.
Islamist officials in Beletwein have not publicy responded to the Ethiopian army's latest incursion onto Somali soil.
Source: Garowe Online
