Ethiopia says foiling urban terror plan, accuses opposition CUDP
Feb 19, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian authorities said they have had seized members and top leaders of a clandestine group bent on carrying out armed urban terrorism, together with their weapons. It said the plotted danger was also thwarted.
The opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP) is accused to be behind this clandestine group.
The National Intelligence and Security Service and the Federal Police Anti-Terrorism Task Force said they have put under control the leadership and executers of a clandestine group that was preparing to unleash an armed urban terrorism and assault. They said the intended assault has been foiled.
According to a statement the Federal Police Anti-terrorism Taskforce sent to the official ENA late on Sunday, the clandestine group that had finalized preparations to launch attacks that aim to instigate urban violence has been put under arrest.
The statement said the group was considering to launch simultaneous attacks in either of the two days including Sunday, targeting various government officials, peoples’ delegates, public figures as well as private and public institutions.
According to the statement the “intended attacks were part and parcel of the attempt to hamper the ongoing democratization and development process as well as to dismantle the constitutional order”.
However, the statement said, the plots were thwarted owing to the cooperation of the public and the relentless efforts the taskforce exerted over the past months.
According to the statement, the clandestine group is linked to the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP), which, it said, opted to pursue the path of violence after the May elections.
The group has been undertaking various preparations over the past few months to launch an armed urban terror by reorganizing the structure of the CUDP, the statement said.
The statement said, the group has been engaged in organizing individuals and groups whom it believed would implement the trafficking of arms.
The efforts of the group had the financial backing of groups and individuals abroad, the statement said, adding the activities were being masterminded by people who had experience in the former EPRP, and who lead the CUDP at various levels.
The statement said, the professional and legal measures taken by the Task Force have enabled to foil the intended terrorist act before it caused human casualty and property damage.
Apart from arresting individuals who have part in the plot, the Task Force has also apprehended TNT explosives, bombs and various small arms, the statement said, adding, it also found various documents, computers and other materials related to the plot.
(ST/ENA)