Dozens die in rebel attack in Ethiopia’s Ogaden region

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia Jan 20 (Garowe Online)

Dozens of people were reported killed after Ethiopian rebels raided government positions in Gunagado, a district in eastern Ethiopia’s Somali-inhabited Zone 5 region, according to witnesses.

The fighting erupted Friday between rebels loyal to the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and local government troops, killing a total of 25 people, including some district officials.

Reliable sources have confirmed to Garowe Online that at least 4 officials were killed in the rebel attack, including distict security commissioner Sa’di AwSiad, security commander Hashi Qadadi and local legislative chief Sayid Wafer.

Some other district officials were missing and feared dead, the sources added.
At least 3 wounded people were rushed to hospitals in Jigjiga, the region’s capital.
Its not the first attack ONLF rebels launched on the Ethiopian government. Last week, rebels attacked positions in Garbo town, leading to at least 5 deaths.

Addis Ababa has not commented on these attacks in the countryside. but the attacks come at a time thousands of Ethiopian troops are deployed inside neighboring Somalia to help the interim government restore order.