Al-Shabaab Faces Pushback In Ethiopia's Somali Region

Ethiopia has amassed troops along the border for possible military operations against Al-Shabaab. The Somali Region is also mobilising community leaders including religious scholars, women and traditional elders. Business leaders have pledged funds and pastoralists have donated livestock to the security forces. The apparent goal is to resist infiltration of Al-Shabaab's ideology in a region known for its tolerance and peaceful cohabitation between various faith communities.

Samira Gaid, a security expert and executive director of the Mogadishu-based Hiraal Institute, said the community appears for now, to be ready to reject any of the group's incursions. She said Al-Shabaab has been struggling to build a support base in the Somali Region.

The region had been hailed as the most peaceful in Ethiopia since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018. But that was put to the test three weeks ago when Al-Shabaab fighters forced their way into the region, igniting a deadly confrontation deep in Ethiopia.

Although extremist groups in Somalia so far have failed to set up permanent bases in Ethiopia, they have succeeded in recruitment. Ali Diyaar - commander of Al-Shabaab's Ethiopia front, and several other commanders who were reportedly involved in the recent incursion - are from the region. Al-Shabaab has also recruited from other Ethiopian communities, including from the Oromo.