A large-scale incursion by the Somali jihadist group al-Shabab into eastern Ethiopia has been defeated. The government claims to have killed more than 800 [8] militants in heavy fighting [9] that began at the end of July. The attempt to open a new front in Ethiopia was not only a military defeat for al-Shabab, but also a political failure [10]. Although some of al-Shabab's leaders are from the area, ideologically the Somali region of Ethiopia is known for its religious tolerance [11]. Local community and religious leaders rallied to oppose the group [12], and have pledged to resist future infiltration.
From The New Humanitarian [15], Aug. 12
