Ethiopia Arrests 82 Terror Suspects Trained in Somalia

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian security forces have arrested 82 individuals suspected of planning terrorist attacks after receiving training in Somalia’s Puntland region, according to the state-run Fana Broadcasting Corporation. The arrests were carried out by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) across multiple regions of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa.

Citing an official statement from NISS, Fana Media Corporation reported on Tuesday evening that the suspects had been “identified and arrested” as part of a coordinated counter-terrorism operation. Authorities said the individuals were recruited to carry out terror missions inside Ethiopia, although specific targets or timelines were not disclosed.

Ethiopia shares a porous border with Somalia, a country grappling with a renewed wave of violence perpetrated by the extremist Al-Shabaab group. The ongoing instability has heightened security concerns across the Horn of Africa.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia further escalated last year when Addis Ababa signed a controversial agreement with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. The deal angered the Somali government, which considers Somaliland part of its territory. However, diplomatic relations between the two nations have since stabilized.

Ethiopia is a key contributor to the African Union’s Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which aims to combat Al-Shabaab militants. Despite its vital role, the mission has faced significant funding challenges amid a growing threat of Islamist resurgence in the region.

Security analysts warn that the latest arrests underscore the persistent risk of extremism spilling over from Somalia into neighboring countries, further complicating peace efforts in the region.