Oromo rebels claim victory over Ethiopian forces
ADDIS ABABA, Aug 14, 2005 (Radio Voice of Oromo) — In their recent military operation against Ethiopian forces, Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) –armed wing of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) — forces operating in Bale Zone, southeastern Oromiya in southern Ethiopia, has put 41 enemy soldiers out of action and captured a variety of materials.
On 1 August, OLA combatants killed three soldiers and captured three AK-47 assault rifles after ambushing a vehicle carrying weyane regular soldiers. In an ambush at a place called Hantuta, they ambushed a military vehicle carrying Ethiopian soldiers, killing three soldiers and capturing three AK-47 rifles.
On 3 August, OLA fighters killed four soldiers and wounded five others at a place called Halo Qansa in Rahitu District. On 8 August, 10 enemy soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded at a place called Farda Robo in Rahitu District. The soldiers were preparing to go to Ginir from Shakisa when they were attacked.
Radio sources say that governmental forces later vented their anger on innocent civilians. They robbed and then detained 11 people from Batu area.
On 4 August, three Oromo nationals were arrested and shot after they were accused of being OLF agents. Sources added that civilians in Bale were paraded and ordered to give information on the whereabouts of OLA fighters.
Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service, original in Oromo.