35 Ethiopian soldiers killed by rebels in southern region
Nov 13, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — An Ethiopian rebel group reportedly killed 35 soldiers in attacks against the regular troops in southern Ethiopia, an opposition radio said Sunday.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), armed wing of the Oromo Liberation Front, operating in southern Ethiopia have carried out attacks against the Ethiopian government forces in different places, killing 35 soldiers and wounding 46 others. as well as capturing many weapons, the OLA southern region commander has announced.
According to the Ethiopian opposition radio Voice of Oromo Liberation in Oromo, the OLA forces attacked the Ethiopian army positions in different areas during the period from 2 to 9 November.
On 8 November 2006, OLA attacked Ethiopian forces at a place called Siga Bordi in Moyale District bordering Kenya, killing four enemy soldiers and wounding three others. An AKM rifle with complete rounds of ammunition was also captured in the attack.
On the same day, at a place called Hara in Moyale District, OLA engaged Ethiopian forces in fighting. Fifteen regular soldiers were killed and 21 others wounded in the fighting which also resulted in the capture of four AKM rifles with complete rounds of ammunition.
On 9 November 2006, at a place called Ila Gara, also in Moyale, OLA carried out an attack on Ethiopian forces, killing 12 enemy soldiers and wounding 16 others.
The OLA southern region commander added that on 6 November 2006, at a place called Sura in Bule Hora District, Guji Province, his fighters attacked a vehicle transporting Ethiopian troops. Four soldiers were killed and six others wounded in the attack.
According to the rebel radio, reports from Bule Hora say three police officers have been killed in separate societal riots in the town. The incidents took place between 2 and 6 November 2006.
(ST)