Ethiopia: 10 -Track army enter semi-autonomous Puntland region

(SomaliNet) After receiving key intelligence of smuggled weapons, a 10-truck Ethiopian army convoy entered parts of the neighboring Somali regional autonomy of Puntland on Saturday.

Five commercial trucks were stopped by the Ethiopians in Burtinle, a town southwest of the administrative capital Garowe in Nugal region.

The truck drivers are all in Ethiopian custody and are being questioned.

Sources close to the investigation said the trucks allegedly loaded with weapons were heading to the central regions, particularly Galgadud region.

Puntland security sources confirmed that weapons and munitions were found in the trucks, but declined to specify the types of weapons.

In the town of Buhodle, which is contested between Puntland and the breakaway Somaliland enclave, local authorities transferred 6 Somali men over to Ethiopian troops.

Locals were surprised to see Ethiopian troops surround the central jail in Buhodle today.

The 6 men were originally jailed by local police after suspicions regarding metal contents found inside their vehicle. Abdullahi Adan, Buhodle police commander, said
Puntland security forces cooperate with Ethiopian troops to strengthen regional security.

Some locals wondered why Ethiopian soldiers are conducting police operations in the region when Puntland maintains a police force of its own. Source: Garowe Online