Rebel group claims killing 25 Ethiopian soldiers

Feb 19, 2006 (ASMARA) — The army of the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF) which is waging an armed struggle in Ethiopia, has announced that it scored shining victory over government soldiers in around Adi Geshu — in northern Ethiopia — on 14 February.

The EPPF said its forces killed 15 Ethiopian government soldiers and burnt down a tanker, the Eritrean radio reported.

A contingent of the Ethiopian army that was sent to rescue the soldiers who were being pounded was also repelled by the EPPF forces. Ten Ethiopian soldiers were killed and 20 others wounded in this engagement.

According to the EPPF, a total of 25 Ethiopian soldiers were killed and 20 others wounded and 17 Kalashnikovs and one Bren were also captured in the fighting.

The military command of the front said in a statement that the EPPF was intensifying its attacks in all directions to avenge the killings of innocent Ethiopians.

(ST/Eritrean radio)