Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Ethiopian authorities have announced the arrest of 138 suspects allegedly linked to extremist groups including Al-Shabaab and ISIS, in what officials describe as a coordinated operation aimed at safeguarding national security ahead of upcoming elections.
According to a statement from the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), the arrests followed a multi-agency operation involving federal and regional security forces. The individuals were reportedly detained across several parts of the country after investigations indicated suspected involvement in activities intended to destabilize public order.
Officials said the suspects were believed to have connections with international militant networks, with some reportedly receiving training outside Ethiopia. Authorities further indicated that the group had been organizing covert cells, recruiting members, and facilitating logistical support, including weapons, communication tools, and funding channels.
Government sources also stated that the operation disrupted what they described as planned attacks targeting major urban areas, including the capital, Addis Ababa. According to officials, the alleged activities included attempts to incite violence, carry out abductions, and interfere with election-related processes.
Separate reports suggest that security forces seized weapons, explosives, and other materials during the arrests, although the full scale and operational capacity of the suspected networks have not been independently verified.
The development comes as Ethiopia prepares for national elections expected to involve tens of millions of voters. Authorities have emphasized that heightened security measures are necessary to ensure a stable environment for the electoral process. However, some details surrounding the alleged plots, including timelines and specific targets, remain limited in publicly available information.
Analysts note that Ethiopia, like other countries in the Horn of Africa, faces persistent security challenges linked to transnational militant groups. Al-Shabaab, primarily active in Somalia, has previously been associated with cross-border threats, while ISIS-linked networks in the region have been described by security experts as smaller but evolving.
While the government has framed the arrests as a preventive success, independent verification of all claims remains limited. Observers stress that continued transparency and due process will be important as investigations proceed.
The authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, underscoring what officials describe as a shared responsibility in maintaining national stability during a sensitive political period.