By Horn Africa News
Doolow – Tensions flared overnight in the border town of Doolow after reports emerged that Ethiopian forces allegedly torched the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) base and abducted several Somali government soldiers, taking them across the border into Ethiopian-controlled territory.
Sources on the ground confirmed that a fierce battle broke out late last night between a small contingent of Somali police and intelligence officers and heavily armed Ethiopian troops supporting militias of Ahmed Madobe.
Ethiopian forces reportedly used heavy artillery during the clashes, causing widespread destruction, including damage to several government facilities.
Following the assault, witnesses say Ethiopian troops captured a number of Somali soldiers, including their commanding officer, and transported them into Ethiopia’s Somali Region. Others were reportedly killed during the fighting.
The incident comes amid a high-profile visit by Somalia’s President and the Director of National Intelligence, both of whom are currently in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Notably, the Ethiopian forces involved in the Doolow incident are not part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, raising questions about their mandate and coordination with Somali federal forces.
In response, the Jubbaland regional administration issued a statement accusing Somali federal forces of initiating the attack on their military installations in Doolow. They claimed to have acted in self-defense and directed strong criticism at the Somali presidency for escalating tensions.
The situation remains fluid, with growing concerns over the implications for Somalia-Ethiopia relations and the fragile security situation in the border regions.
