MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland, a regional member state in Somalia, has rounded up Ethiopian and other foreign nationals for repatriation.
Police forces detained hundreds of Ethiopian nationals in an operation in Garowe due to their lack of legal status to remain in areas under Puntland’s control.
Photos shared on social media show Ethiopians, including women and children, packed into cargo vehicles, being sent back to Ethiopia as part of the operation.
At least three Ethiopians were reportedly killed in two days on allegations of having links with ISIL, a militant group based in Puntland.
Addis Standard, a newspaper based in Addis Ababa, reported the deaths and the arrests of many other Ethiopians.
It also reported “acts of intimidation, detention, torture, and looting” against Ethiopian refugees in Garowe, Bosaso, and Qardho.
Quoting witnesses, Addis Standard said Puntland forces killed one Ethiopian on January 26, and two others were beaten to death by a crowd in Bosaso the next day.
In a brief statement, Puntland police denied that any Ethiopians had been killed, calling the reports “baseless and unfounded.”
Police said a stone-throwing incident involving Ethiopian refugees was resolved, and the suspects are in custody.
“We warn against such acts and remain committed to protecting all residents,” the police said.
The operation aims to stop foreigners from joining ISIL, which Puntland is fighting in the Bari region’s mountainous areas.
A similar operation in Bosaso led to the arrest of over 300 foreigners and Somalis suspected of having links with the ISIL group.
Earlier this week, Puntland forces killed a Yemeni man planting explosives in Bosaso and later found more explosive materials at his home.
Puntland’s Ministry of Interior warned companies not to give SIM cards to foreigners and banned begging in cities.
Puntland is intensifying its fight against ISIL, expanding control over the Bari region’s mountainous areas, where the group had major bases.
