Al-Shabaab’s Terror Plots Foiled, 34 Suspects Arrested

ADDIS ABABA – At least 34 Al-Shabaab members who were plotting to carry out terror attacks in various parts of Ethiopia have been apprehended, national intelligence agency announced today.

In a statement today, the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) disclosed that the suspects were captured in collaboration with the security focus of Somali and Oromia regional states.

The security agencies have been secretly monitoring the suspects plotting to carry out terror attacks during celebration of religious events in Addis Ababa, as well as Somali and Oromia regions since its inception.

The suspects were at the last stage of onslaught when busted, the agency said.

Their terror plots was thwarted after collaborative work with foreign intelligence agencies, according NISS.

Out of the 34 members of Al-Shabaab, 10 were arrested in West Arsi, East Arsi, West Bale, East Bale, East Shoa, West and East Hararge zones of Oromia regional state.

The remaining 24 have been arrested in Afdera, Dollo, Gode, Jigjiga and Shebele of the Somali region.

One of the suspects recruited by the group opened a number of bank accounts in the name of Mikael Abdurahman Ibrahim.

Before his arrest, the security agency said the suspect has been receiving large sums of money from agents of the terrorist groups in Minnesota (USA), Somaliland and Kenya.

Various weapons including rifles and ammunition as well as documents and passbooks were also seized from the suspects’ homes.

NISS noted that the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which had repeatedly failed to carry out terror in Ethiopia, could make similar attempts in the future, urging for the public to be vigilant and intensify their efforts to thwart terrorist plots.

 

Featured Image: Some of the suspects arrested for plotting the holyday season [Photo ENA)