Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service has detained 138 individuals accused of collaborating with rebel and extremist groups, it announced. The operation, involving federal and regional security forces, began on Miyazya 9, 2018. The detainees allegedly sought to disrupt national peace, security, and the upcoming election.
Addis Ababa, Miyazya 10, 2018 (Fana) – Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service announced the legal detention of 138 individuals who disseminated death threats while collaborating with rebel and extremist forces across various regions.
The operation started on Miyazya 9 through targeted intelligence monitoring and coordination with federal and regional security organs. The detainees, active in Addis Ababa and other major cities as well as selected areas, conducted bombings and assaults, hosted cells for armed groups, supplied information, and participated in attacks, according to the service.
They provided money, cash, military uniforms, radio sets, phone SIM cards, weapons, and logistics to the groups, the service confirmed. The collaborators aimed to disrupt elections in selected towns and districts and to inflame ethnic and religious tensions. Some had undergone Al-Shabaab and ISIS training in Somalia.
Authorities seized weapons, explosive vests and bombs, ammunition, foreign currency notes, and contraband items from the detainees. The service stated it is conducting further investigations to dismantle networks ahead of the national election and ensure security.
