Hudur (RBC) The Al Qaeda-linked group of Al Shabab and the Ogaden National Liberation Army [ONLF] fought against Somalia National Army and the African Union Forces in Bakool region in recent weeks’ fierce battle that killed more than 40 people, according to Bakool Governor Mohamed Abdi Tool.
The governor said the ONLF which is an armed militia that fought against Ethiopia crossed into Somalia and helped the militant group in Aato district near the Ethiopian-Somali border.
“We have credible information about ONLF’s involvement in the fight last week,” Mr Tool said.
Al Shabab group carried out a deadly attack on army bases in Aato village last week. The joint forces of Somalia and Ethiopia then launched a massive operation on several towns where the militants were hiding.
If confirmed, this is the first direct battle by Al Shabab and ONLF carried together on Somalia Army bases in Somalia.
Al Shabab is a jihadist militia based in Somalia. In 2012, the group joined the Al-Qaeda network as a cell but ONLF is a separatist rebel group fighting to make the region in eastern Ethiopia (known as Ogadenia) an independent state.
RBC Radio