GALKAYO, Somalia Mar 29 (Garowe Online) - Hundreds of Ethiopian soldiers crossed over the common border and entered Somalia overnight Thursday, according to sources in Galkayo.
The soldiers, estimated to number 500-strong with armored vehicles, were stationed in the outskirts of Galkayo, the capital of Mudug region in central Somalia.
Reliable sources in Galkayo told Garowe Online on the condition of anonymity that the Ethiopian troops were heading for the northern Somali city of Bossaso, a bustling port town that serves as Puntland’s economic hub.
There was no reason given for the arrival of fresh Ethiopian troops, even as that country’s leader, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, pledged to withdraw his remaining troops from Somalia.
At least 30 people died in Mogadishu on Thursday when Ethiopian troops forcefully entered insurgent strongholds in attempts to disarm the capital’s inhabitants. [ Full story]
Puntland declared itself an autonomous part of Somalia in 1998 and has enjoyed relative stability since.
The region’s vice president, Hassan Dahir Afqura, overturned yesterday’s decision by Interior Minister Ahmed Abdi Habsade to fire the Puntland police commander, Col. Said “Karama†Ali. [ Full story]
Col. Karama was accused of releasing a convicted felon without legal approval, according to a decree issued by the Interior Ministry.
Sent south
Puntland authorities deported more than 200 Somali people who hail for the southern regions of the country on Thursday, local sources said.
Government sources in Galkayo confirmed that 217 southerners, including women and children, were transported to the southern part of town by Puntland police and released.
These people were originally detained last week in the region’s capital, Garowe. Police officials said the individuals were arrested on suspicion of criminal involvement or attempting to be smuggled out to the Middle East.
Our correspondent in Garowe who visited the detainees last week reported that they looked weary and tired after the long trek from the southern regions to Puntland.
While in jail, the detainees were visited by UN officials, businesspeople and locals who were concerned about unsatisfactory conditions at the jail.
Source: Garowe Online
