Ethiopian Troops Enter Somalia

Interesting turn of events in Somalia.

More Ethiopian troops with many battle wagons have poured into several villages around west of Beledweyn town in central Somalia, witnesses told Shabelle radio on Sunday.

Reports say that hundreds of Ethiopian military forces reached at more villages which are less than 50 kilometers west of Beledweyn town in Hiran region.

Locals said that the Ethiopian troops are accompanied by many of the transitional government soldiers with armed vehicles adding that the troops started search operations at the areas. But no weapons were found during their operations.

Eyewitnesses said that more people were captured during the military operations of the Ethiopian and Somali government troops pointing out that they were released after asking questions saying that they also made new military bases in there in Hiran region.

This is different because Ethiopian troops are working with Somali government troops, but it doesn't suggest a positive sign. This kind of military action, with the establishment of bases, almost suggests an escape route is being prepared in case the transitional government falls.

It continues to be the rumor that Al Qaeda has been pushed out of Afghanistan by the Taliban Pushtans (who have a history of distrusting foreigners) and are relocating to Somalia. This is very much unclear, but Al Shabab does appear to be gaining strength and momentum over the last few months.

The good news is piracy continues to fall in frequency of attacks. This means the world is more likely to go back to ignoring Somalia again.