The Security and Intelligence Joint Task Force has announced that it has arrested 166 terrorists suspected of plotting to provoke violence and terror during the public holidays of Meskel-Demera and the Irreechaa festivals celebrations in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu cities.

The task force statement sent to mass media stated that terrorist groups were planning to disrupt and create a national crisis by inciting violence during the public and religious holidays celebrated in the Ethiopian new year.  

According to the statement, the joint task force was able to foil the plot earlier becouse of the strong preparations and secured surveillance that ensured the holidays and festivals celebrations peaceful, said the statement.

The task force confirmed that these indicted suspects of terrorism are members of TPLF, Shene, IS and other informal violence groups and they are under police investigation.

The statement of the joint task force indicated that the members of those terrorist groups had received the mission of flaming violence during the festivals in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, the statement disclosed.

Particularly, the terrorist groupShene has been organizing its cells to commit terrorist activities and has been trying to deploy the killer group called “ Aba Torbe ”, it said.

The statement further noted that terrorist Shene has been making arrangements and facilitating the supply of logistics for the destructive mission in collaboration with the TPLF terrorist group.

The task force findings revealed that during the secure monitoring on the activities and communication networks of terrorist groups and suspected individuals it has seized group and individual weapons, incendiary explosives, bombs and many types of ammunition for the execution of the planned heinous mission.

Task force claimed that documentary evidence has been uncovered that shows that the suspects have been receiving missions and working together with the terrorists TPLF and IS.

The statement indicated that all the security and intelligence agencies work day and night to fulfill their mission in cooperation with the active participation of the society which contributed massively to thwart the planned terrorist act.

The public holidays that are celebrated in September are a manifestation of the values ​​of solidarity and common wealth of all Ethiopians, reads the statement.

It also stated that during these huge public holidays and festivals many tourists always attend them, and assured that they will be given proper protection.

The government does not allow these events to be targets of violence and terrorism instigated by some foreign and internal anti-peace groups, the statement further added.

 The Security and Intelligence Joint Task Force has expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable contribution of the entire society for peaceful and successful celebration of those religious and public festivals.