BELETWEIN, Somalia Jan 28 (Garowe Online) -
Ethiopian troops backing Somalia's transitional federal government withdrew from a key military base in the central regions on Monday, witnesses and residents said.
Since early 2007, the Ethiopian army maintained a 1,000-strong garrison in a base east of Beletwein, the capital of the central Hiran region.
Ethiopian army trucks were seen leaving the base on Monday and were reportedly heading west, towards the Somali-Ethiopian border.
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The exact number of troops and trucks could not be confirmed, but our Beletwein correspondent reported that the army base was "completely vacant," save for some "explosives material" that worried residents.
Three Somalis who were jailed by the Ethiopian army at the base were also released.
Before leaving, the Ethiopian commanders met privately with Hiran regional officials, including Governor Yusuf Daboged.
No report emerged from that meeting and Somali officials declined comment on these latest developments.
But the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the Beletwein area coincides with increasing attacks on their position. The Ethiopian army still maintains a small contingent in Kala-Beyr village, near the border, local sources said.
Last week, heavily-armed insurgents battled joint Somali-Ethiopian forces in parts of Hiran region.
Meanwhile, targeted killings of Somali government officials continued when Hiran regional intelligence boss Mohamed Ali "Gabow" was shot and killed.
Witnesses said three men armed with pistols killed Mr. Gabow in front of a hotel in Beletwein town.
One civilian was wounded during the attack. The killers escaped before police arrived on the scene and began questioning potential witnesses.
No group has thus far claimed responsibility for the killing, but it becomes the first successful targeted killing of a government official in Hiran region.
Regional officials have been attacked several times, including Governor Daboged who was attacked at least two times in the past year.
Source: Garowe Online
