Ethiopian troops reportedly seize airports in Somalia’s Gedo region as tensions rise

Ethiopian troops reportedly seize airports in Somalia’s Gedo region as tensions rise

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday September 10, 2024

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Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopian forces have reportedly taken control of key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region, including Luuq, Dolow, and Bardhere, amid rising tensions following reports that the Somali federal government plans to deploy Egyptian troops near the Ethiopian The deployment of Ethiopian forces has sparked concern among local militia groups, who are reportedly mobilizing in response. This escalation comes as Ethiopian troops are scheduled to withdraw from Somalia by December 2024, when the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to expire.

Plans are currently underway for a new AU-led peacekeeping mission to replace ATMIS. Notably, Somalia has signaled that it will not include Ethiopian forces in the new mission, opting instead for Egyptian involvement.

Tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have worsened since Ethiopia struck a controversial deal in January with Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia. The agreement grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline, including the potential establishment of a naval base. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, condemned the deal as a violation of its sovereignty.