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Ethiopian security forces have arrested 82 people suspected of planning terrorist attacks in the country on behalf of the Islamic State group (ISIS). The arrests, which took place during a large-scale operation across 14 cities and towns, are being described as a significant step in disrupting an emerging ISIS network within Ethiopia.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), all the suspects are Ethiopian nationals. They were captured in coordinated raids in areas including the capital Addis Ababa, Harar, Jigjiga, Jimma, Shashamene, Adama, Bale, and Silte.
Authorities believe the suspects are linked to ISIS’s branch in Puntland, a region in northeastern Somalia. Intelligence reports suggest that many of those arrested had received military training in Puntland before being sent into Ethiopia. Their mission, according to officials, was to carry out bomb attacks, incite unrest, and secretly recruit new members.
NISS also said the group aimed to expand ISIS’s presence in Ethiopia by setting up hidden terrorist cells. They allegedly tried to radicalize people, especially youth, using religious institutions and symbols to spread extremist ideas. Some of the suspects reportedly used places of worship to disguise their real motives, making it easier to influence and recruit vulnerable individuals.
Authorities recovered evidence during the arrests that links the suspects to international extremist networks. These networks are believed to have provided funding, logistical support, and intelligence to help the group plan its operations inside Ethiopia.
“This network was trying to grow ISIS’s reach within Ethiopia by recruiting new members and creating secret cells,” the NISS said in its statement.
Security officials believe this planned expansion was part of a wider effort by ISIS to rebuild its presence in the region after suffering major defeats in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. While ISIS’s presence in the Horn of Africa has so far been smaller than that of groups like al-Shabab, Ethiopian authorities say this operation shows the group is becoming more active in new territories.
The rugged and remote landscape of Puntland has long served as a base for extremist groups. In response to growing threats from across the border, Ethiopian intelligence agencies have increased surveillance and cooperation with regional security forces.
This crackdown is one of the largest ever conducted by Ethiopian authorities against ISIS-linked individuals. It also comes at a time when regional governments are on high alert due to the potential spread of extremist violence beyond Somalia.
The NISS has said investigations are still ongoing and warned that anyone found to be involved in extremist activities will be charged under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism laws.
Officials are urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior or attempts to promote violent ideologies. They also emphasized that protecting religious spaces and preventing their misuse is essential to maintaining national unity and peace.
This operation highlights the growing efforts by Ethiopian authorities to counter terrorism and prevent international extremist groups from gaining a foothold in the country.