MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Ethiopian authorities have arrested 82 individuals suspected of being members of the militant group calling itself the Islamic State (ISIS), according to a statement released by the country’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
The suspects were allegedly plotting coordinated bomb attacks and destabilization campaigns across Ethiopia.
NISS said the group is affiliated with the ISIS faction operating out of Somalia’s Puntland region, where they are believed to have received training before being dispatched to Ethiopian cities.
Authorities said the aim of the suspects was to expand ISIS operations inside Ethiopia and establish clandestine bases to recruit and mobilize new fighters.
NISS stated that it had obtained credible intelligence and concrete evidence linking the suspects to international networks that provided them with intelligence, financial, and logistical support.
The arrests took place in multiple locations, including Addis Ababa, Sheger, Adama, Shashamane, Harar, Bale, Jimma, Shaakiso, Jigjiga, Shawe, Silte, Halaba, Qulito, and Kamise.
Ethiopian Security officials said further investigations are ongoing and vowed that anyone found to be connected to the network will be brought to justice.
The crackdown follows recent warnings from Ethiopian security officials about growing threats from extremist elements operating in neighboring Somalia.
Last month, Ethiopia’s Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, told the national parliament that the country faces a major security risk from armed groups heavily concentrated inside Somalia.