Free Preview of Members-Only Content

To view the requested intelligence, you must be a Stratfor.com member.

The foreign ministry in Ethiopia and the defense ministry in Somalia both denied Nov. 20 that a clash occurred over the weekend between Ethiopian forces and Islamist militiamen outside the Somalian city of Baidoa, the seat of Somalia's interim government. These denials are an attempt to avoid triggering anti-Ethiopian anger in Somalia and provoking further domestic opposition to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's rule in Addis Ababa. A weekend declaration by the Supreme Islamic Courts Council (SICC) saying it will create a Greater Somalia means that, despite significant tensions facing Addis Ababa and Baidoa, Ethiopian troops are in Somalia for the long haul.

An Ethiopian military convoy was attacked Nov. 19 near the town of Berdaale, approximately 30 miles west of Baidoa. A number of Ethiopian trucks were destroyed by landmines, yet both the Ethiopian and Somalian governments denied that Islamist militants were behind the attacks.

Stratfor Members, please log in at the top left hand corner
Get Stratfor's Free Intelligence
Objective Facts and Non-partisan Analysis

Stratfor delivers premier analysis and insightful intelligence on the events and issues that shape your world! Become part of a community that wants to understand what's really happening in the world, doesn't have time for fluff, partisanship, and noisy clutter. Enjoy free Intelligence written by:

  • Dr. George Friedman – Geopolitics
  • Fred Burton & Scott Stewart - Terrorism & Security

Delivered to your inbox FREE!

Get right to the salient points and receive:

  • Situational Awareness - What's happening that you need to know?
  • Analysis - What do today's events mean to you?
  • Insight – no partisan agenda & no ideological bias

Stratfor is the world's leading private sector source of geopolitical intelligence. Sign up today and enjoy free intelligence.


SIGN UP FOR INTELLIGENCE UPDATES NOW!