Ethiopia: Ethiopian troops take control of all airports in Gedo region of Somalia
Members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have reportedly taken over airports in western parts of Somalia, a move that could trigger diplomatic fallout and possible war within the Horn of Africa region.
For eight months, Somalia and Ethiopia have been at loggerheads after the latter signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which gives it access to 20 kilometers of the Red Sea in exchange for recognition as a sovereign state.
But Somalia has strongly objected to the move, accusing Ethiopia of violation of international laws, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The matter is still pending with Somalia rejecting Turkish-led mediation efforts, which are yet to materialize.
And on Monday, reports emerged that Ethiopian troops had reportedly taken control of all airports in the Gedo region of Somalia. Gedo region is mostly manned by Ethiopian troops working in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).