Garowe Online (Garowe)
30 December 2007
A fresh convoy of Ethiopian troops entered the Somali border region of Hiran on Sunday, less than a week after Ethiopian forces were reported to have withdrawn from Galgadud region, sources said.
Ethiopian soldiers were seen in Jawil area, near the common border between Ethiopia and Somalia, according to villagers.
The exact number of soldiers or trucks could not be independently verified, but residents said these troops crossed over from the Ethiopian side of the border.
Mohamed Ahmed, a truck driver who travels along the border region, told Garowe Online that the Ethiopian soldiers were conducting search operations in the area.
Hiran Governor Yusuf Daboged said his administration is "well aware" of the arrival of this fresh contingent, and added that the troops are in the region to "help the Somali government" secure the country.
About 1,000 Ethiopian soldiers are stationed in the outskirts of Beletwein, the capital of Hiran.
Last week, Ethiopian forces withdrew from parts of Galgadud region, after a six-month stay.
Residents in the Galgadud town of Guri El said the Ethiopian soldiers forcefully lived in private homes and a local hospital during their stay.
Osman Isse Nur, the deputy governor of Galgadud, dismissed media reports that Islamic Courts fighters had taken control of Guri El following the Ethiopian pullout.
Mr. Nur said armed men seen in the outskirts of Guri El are not part of the Islamic Courts but are "regional troops."
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