BELEDWEYNE (Mareeg) –Ethiopian troops with armed trucks have reportedly crossed the border and were deployed near Beledweyne in central Somalia, witnesses say.

This comes as the Islamist rebels took over Beledweyne from government soldiers and advanced to near by towns in the region.

Locals say t the Ethiopian troops are accompanied by many of pro government soldiers with armed vehicles and started search operations in the area.

Residents say the Ethiopian troops detained more civilians in their search operations, but they have later released when they asked questions.

The Ethiopian troops have also cut the telecommunication in those areas they have entered early on Sunday.

Ethiopia had so many times denied that its troops re-entered back to Somalia after its troop withdrawal in early 2009.

Mareeg Online