The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in Ethiopia confirmed the arrest of 138 suspects who have allegedly established links to armed groups allegely linked to plots to destabilise the upcoming elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NISS has allegedly linked the suspects to al-Shabaab and ISIS.
“138 suspects have been arrested after communicating with armed terror and extremist groups operating in the jungle to impose their will by force,” said NISS’ statement, noting that the suspects were planning to disrupt the upcoming national election.
The intelligence department also alleged that ”they were supplying the armed groups with ammunition, fire arms, radio communications, cellular phones and SIM cards, and collecting logistics with a plan to disrupt the election in selected towns and kebeles, and incite ethnic and religious based violence.”
NISS is also linking some of the suspects to more crimes including “human trafficking,” al Shabaab and ISIS operation, and contraband business.
Economic sabotage activity with a plan to create a shortage of consumption goods supply is another allegation that the government is making in connection with the arrest.
Meanwhile, citizens’ reports emerging on social media seem to show that dozens of youth have been arrested over listening to the newly released song by Tewodros Kassahun also known as Teddy Afro.
The famous Teddy Afro’s track Das Tal, meaning “put up the tent” in English, has been viewed more than seven million times on YouTube since its release last Thursday.
“The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away,” the 49-year-old laments on Das Tal.
NISS did not disclose the circumstances under which the suspects were arrested and the locations of their arrest.
MG/as/APA