MOGADISHU (Mareeg)—Ethiopian troops with armoured vehicles have crossed the Somali border and reached Elbarde town in Bakol region in south western Somalia, witnesses said on Sunday.

Pro government Somali militias trained recently in Ethiopia have also come with the Ethiopian troops. Reports say the pro government Somali militias are planning to attack towns controlled by al Shabaab in
the region.

 

Residents in Elbarde town have expressed fear about the re-entering of the Ethiopian troops in the country. The situation is tense in Elbarde, where the Ethiopian troops made bases and arrested some teenagers.

The move comes as former Baidoa governor, Abdifitah Gesey said they were ready to attack Bay and Bakool regions and recapture from al Shabaab.

Separately, more other Ethiopian troops entered early on Sunday in parts of Hiraan region in central Somalia.

The Ethiopian troops have reportedly made bases in Sarirale Mountain near Baladweyne, the provincial capital of Hiraan region.

The motive behind the re-entering of the Ethiopian troops is not known, but it comes as the Somali government was making military movement and vowed fighting against the Islamist rebels in Somalia.