Ethiopia Denies Involvement in Arms Smuggling to Somalia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The Ethiopian government has denied allegations that it played a role in the smuggling of weapons into Somalia from the Ethiopian border on July 15.

Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nebiyu Tedla clarified to VOA that the Ethiopian government is not involved in the recent weapons issue in Somalia. He emphasized that managing the registration, handling, and distribution of weapons at the national level is the responsibility of the federal government of Somalia.

Tensions have been escalating along the Ethiopian-Somali border, where local militias have clashed with government forces for the past month. The latest incident occurred on July 15 in Shiilamow village, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Abudwak, near the Ethiopian border.

At least 12 people were killed in a gunfight between government soldiers and local militias.

The Internal Security Ministry reported that government security forces had seized the weapons from "illegal weapons traders" and were escorting them when armed militias set up a checkpoint and intercepted the arms.

An official stated that the local militias overpowered government forces after receiving reinforcements from clan members.

GAROWE ONLINE