ONLF forces attacked Chinese oil exploration site in Ogaden - Radio Xoriyo Reports
Wednesday, 05 October 2011 04:46 Ogaden Online
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Radio Xoriyo frontline war correspondent has reported that Ogaden National Liberation Army [ONLA] is continuing heavy attacks on Ethiopian forces in Ogaden. Our correspondent said over 60 Ethiopian troops were killed and many more wounded in the latest battles, details of which are as follows:
On 18 September, well-trained ONLA units carried out a heavy attack on Chinese oil firm PetroTrans and Ethiopian troops guarding them at a place called Iley near Obale in the district of Degeh Bur, Jerar Province, where they were conducting oil exploration activity. As the battle intensified, Chinese workers and Ethiopian troops escorting them were chased out of the site towards the camp they had come from. Ethiopian troops rushed the Chinese to Kebri Bayah town.
The ONLA occupied Iley for three days. Thirty Ethiopian troops were confirmed killed and many more were wounded in Iley. The ONLA also captured a large quantity of provisions and military equipment from Ethiopian troops. ONLF freedom fighters abandoned the place after occupying it for three days, taking with them captured war materials. The ONLF Command, which led the operation in which Ethiopian troops were destroyed and their attempt to exploit the Ogaden oil was foiled, said that ONLF troops were ready to deliver an even heavier blow to Ethiopian troops if they make a second such move.
Ethiopian troops went on a rampage against civilians after coming under the attack. On 18 September, they killed a civilian man named Heybe Ali in Iley. In Ararso, they killed a civilian man named Ina Abdinur Janagale, and in Tahid Tusmo, Aware district, they massacred civilians.
On 16 September, ONLA freedom fighters attacked a group of Ethiopian troops at a place called Hajin, in Degeh Buur district, Jerar province, killing two soldiers and wounding two others. The troops had gone there to conduct an operation against local people.
ONLA commando unit conducted a raid on military positions in Fik town, Nogob province, killing a top army officer stationed there and wounding many soldiers.
Whenever Ethiopian troops venture out of their bases, they are attacked by the ONLA fighters, who also target attempts by Chinese oil company PetroTrans to explore oil in the Ogaden. On 20 September, ONLA fighters carried out such an attack against Ethiopian troops who were deployed at a place called Moyaha in Kebri Bayah for the same objective. Reports say massive casualties were inflicted on Ethiopian troops.
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