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Eritrea Blames Ethiopia for Border Clash | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Eritreans, Ethiopians, and Somalis being detained. Reuters


Cairo – Eritrea accused its neighbor Ethiopia of clashing the borders.

Eritrean Ministry of Information issued a short statement saying that Ethiopia “unleashed” that attack in the Tsorona area, “The TPLF regime has today, Sunday 12 June 2016, unleashed an attack against Eritrea on the Tsorona Central Front.” The statement added that: “The purpose and ramifications of this attack are not clear.”

An Arab ambassador in Asmara told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the Eritrean authorities didn’t explain to the Arab or foreign delegations about this attack.

The ambassador reported an Eritrean official saying his country sent military reinforcements to the borders.

Residents on the borders reported hearing gunfire, while websites spoke of clashes on the borders.

When asked by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, officials at the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the issue. While officials at Ethiopian capital, Adis Ababa said they are not aware of any clashes in the military zone.

Ethiopian Information Minister Getachew Reda said: “We are not aware of any clashes there.”

Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1991, but the countries fought border war from 1998 till 2000.

Both countries trade blame over clashes and supporting rebels. In February, Ethiopia accused Eritrea of being behind anti-government protests in the Oromia region, which led to a violent clampdown in Addis Ababa.

According to U.N., every month thousands of Eritreans try to flee their country across the borders.
U.N. said in a report published recently, accused Eritrean government of President Isaias Afwerki of crimes against humanity, systematic enslavement of about 400 thousand persons, forcible conscription, and other abuses.

During his visit to Helgen Base, the Acting Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Major General Nakibus Lakara praised the Ethiopian troops that foiled the attack.

Clashes erupted at Kafalo Base in Galmudug district between armed groups and Ehtiopian National Defense Force leading to the death of three people and injuring six others. Deputy Minister of Media Thaher Farah Fido said that clashes erupted when army officials didn’t pay members of armed groups since they do not belong to the army.

He added that the armed forces were promised they’d receive their salaries after they have been enrolled in the army.

On the other side, reports said that armed militias kidnapped 13 tribal leaders in Garbouli and transported them to Shewa area.