Dozens of Ethiopian troops stormed the Somali border town of Tuliguuleed in Fafaan province mid afternoon today. The Ethiopian troops advanced onto the town shortly after a botched cross border raid by Oromo Militants targeting Somali pastoralists outside the town just hours prior.
Below is an exclusive photo of Ethiopian troops on patrol in Tuliguuleed today.
Upon entering the town, the Ethiopian troops setup multiple positions according to eyewitnesses. Local residents than say Ethiopian troops barged into the office of Tuliguuleed Mayor Mohamed Khalif and subsequently detained him.
While in custody the mayor was brutally tortured and beaten by the Ethiopian troops, which left him badly wounded and in need of urgent medical attention. The Mayor was then transferred to a local hospital 30 minutes away in the regional capital Jigjiga.
Pictured below is a photo of the wounded Mayor, shortly after the assault.
Mayor Mohamed Khalif is reportedly recovering at the moment with significant injuries to the head and torso. Despite the so called democratic change in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, there have been rampant human rights abuses taken place in the occupied Somali territory of Ogaden at the hands of Ethiopian military contingents and allied factions.
The border town of Tuliguuleed, situated in Fafaan province is a mere 30 minute drive away from the capital Jigjiga but the interim president Mustafa Omar (Cagjar) continues to turn a blind eye to despicable abuses taking place in his backyard.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media.
