Security

Ethiopia to Withdraw Over 3,000 Troops from Somalia

Somali Guardian · 2 hours ago · Read the Full Story on Somali Guardian
Ethiopia to Withdraw Over 3,000 Troops from Somalia
AI SUMMARY

Ethiopia plans to withdraw over 3,000 troops from Somalia to redeploy them to conflict-affected areas in northern Ethiopia, according to Bloomberg News.

  • Ethiopia plans to withdraw more than 3,000 troops from Somalia as fighting escalates in northern Ethiopia.
  • The pullout could begin in the coming days or weeks, according to Bloomberg News.
  • The withdrawn troops would be redeployed to areas affected by fighting between government forces, Tigray forces, and Fano insurgents.
  • A Somali defense ministry official stated that Mogadishu had not been informed of the plan.
  • Ethiopia, Somalia, and the African Union have not publicly announced any change to Ethiopia's deployment.
  • It remains unclear whether the plan affects troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, bilateral arrangements, or both.
  • Ethiopia is a key military partner for Somalia against Al-Shabaab and in defending Baidoa.
  • Fighting in northern Ethiopia began on August 1 near the Sudan border and escalated recently, per ACLED data.
  • Tensions between the TPLF and the federal government have increased since the 2022 peace deal.