Ethiopian troops backed by more than 30 armored vehicles reached parts of Barawe district, in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia, witnesses said.

The soldiers were reported to have left the provincial capital Marka and the town of Koryoley, also in Lower Shabelle, where they have been stationed for the past week.

Residents in Barawe said Lower Shabelle regional government officials and military commanders are accompanying the Ethiopian force.

The soldiers have not set up any base in Barawe but were reported to be standing guard on roads inside and leading to the port town, which is notorious for the illegal export of charcoal.

Ethiopian troops first arrived in Lower Shabelle region last week, with military officials saying the Ethiopian contingent is on the hunt for secret insurgent bases.

So far, the troops have not found any base or arrested any suspects.

Earlier Friday, an unmanned U.S. military aircraft crashed near Marka, underscoring America's continued involvement in operations against terror-linked elements in Somalia. [ Full story]