(SomaliNet) Hundreds of Ethiopian troops have reached on Thursday at the provincial town of Baidoa 240km southwest of the capital to defend the transitional federal government against possible attack from militia of Islamic Courts – there seemingly more imminent clash between government troops with the help of Ethiopian government and Council of Islamic Courts.
Around 200 Ethiopian troops with 25 armored vehicles accompanied with dozens of Somali militia from Gedo region bordering with Ethiopia arrived in Baidoa this morning, witnesses on the ground said.
Earlier, Somali’s interim president, former warlord, asked Ethiopia government to send more troops to Baidoa to help his government restore peace and stability in the country.
The currently arrival of Ethiopian troops in Baidoa town came after Islamic militia men advanced closer to the government based Baidoa and that created more concern over possible assault on the international recognized government.
“We are confirming that large number of Ethiopian troops have crossed from Luq district of Gedop region and filled in Baidoa to invade the Islamic militia men,” Abdi Abdule known as ‘Jini-Boqor’ told the local media in Baidoa.
He said that the arrival of Ethiopian troops is clear violation on the Somalia sovereignty, asking the world community to witness what is happening in the country.
“I have already told the media and warned against Ethiopia government which is conducting an occupation policy in Somalia,” Jini Boqor said.
Some reports say that additional heavily armed Ethiopian forces are expected to arrive in Baidoa.
This tension in high around Bay region in southwest Somalia where the Somali government troops with heavily armed Ethiopian forces is prepared to engage confrontation with Islamic courts who yesterday deployed hundreds of Islamic militiamen in Burhakaba district only 60km to Baidoa town.
Mohamed Abdi Farah