Kenya: Police clash with Oromo rebels in Somare (Moyale) November 24

Event

Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) and suspected Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) rebels clashed violently in the border town of Moyale on Tuesday morning, November 24, causing several casualties. Reports indicate that the clashes occurred in the Somare area of Moyale after EFP detained nine Kenyans for allegedly providing refuge to OLF rebels. Ethiopian and Kenyan authorities are reportedly in talks with one another regarding the detained Kenyan's in order to attempt to come to a diplomatic agreement.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the area in the near term, and further clashes and security operations remain possible over the medium term. 

Advice

Those operating in the aforementioned area are advised to exercise a heightened sense of situational awareness given the persistent threat from criminal activity and immediately report any suspicious activity to security forces. Travelers are advised to ensure that security management protocols remain commensurate with the prevailing local threat environment.