Ethiopia Denies Al-Shabaab’s Role in Killing Soldiers: Refuting Allegations

Ethiopia denies Al-Shabaab’s claim of killing soldiers, calling it false propaganda.

In response to Al-Shabaab’s statement claiming the killing of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) soldiers, Ethiopia has categorically refuted the claim, dismissing it as “untrue” and accusing the group of engaging in coordinated propaganda to conceal their own losses.

Al-Shabaab had alleged that they had killed more than 167 Ethiopian soldiers in a convoy, but failed to provide any evidence to substantiate their assertions. This claim comes at a time when Somalia is preparing for the next phase of operations against Al-Shabaab in the Jubaland and Southwest states.

Mukhtar Mohamed Waare, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Somalia, refuted the allegations, stating that the militants lack the capability to challenge the ENDF, which is recognized as one of the most powerful forces in East and Northern Africa. He emphasized that the Ethiopian defense forces are highly professional, well-equipped, and organized, and can easily overcome any enemy they encounter. Ambassador Waare concluded that the accusations are merely propaganda intended to discredit Ethiopia and its defense forces.

Ambassador Mukhtar clarified that the Ethiopian soldiers attacked in Bakool are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), dispelling any claims that non-ATMIS troops from Ethiopia are operating in Somalia illegally. He reiterated that Ethiopia is in Somalia with the approval of the African Union and the international community, with the primary goal of supporting Somalia’s legitimate government in its peace-building efforts. Thus, Al-Shabaab’s claims are baseless propaganda according to Ambassador Mukhtar.

The ambush targeted two convoys, one traveling from Yeed to Wajid and the other from El Barde to Huddur, both of which are locations where Ethiopian troops have bases. It was reported that local forces were accompanying the convoy heading to Huddur from El Barde. Huddur mayor Omar Abdullahi confirmed intense fighting between the troops and militants in Bakool, although specific details were not provided. Al-Shabaab has been carrying out sporadic attacks on security forces and indiscriminately killing innocent civilians in Somalia.