July 20, 2006 Reports reaching Ogaden Online Service desk from Qabri Dahar confirm the death of twenty six senior military officials in the attack helicopter shot down by ONLF fighters in Gaba Gabo. Eight of these twenty six are said to be the most senior officers of the Ethiopian militias deployed in Ogaden.

Interviews with locals in Gabo Gabo town and sources that requested anonymity confirmed that the most senior militia heads throughout Ogaden were travelling in this helicopter. The dead officers were in the midst of planning meetings that took place primarily in the city of Qabri Dahar.

It has not yet been established reasons why all these officers were travelling in one plane and what mission were they to accomplish in Gabo Gabo. Unconfirmed reports indicate that these officers were to attend an emergency meeting for all Ethiopian military personnel in the Qorahay zone in Gabo Gabo

Related reports indicate that immediately following the shooting down of this helicopter, one military plane of the type known as Mig 27, was seen in the sky above the place where the helicopter crashed.

Horn of Africa political analysts believe that ONLF's recent military victories coupled with the shooting down of a military plane will only add to the fears of the regime in Addis Ababa. These analysts believe that the only mode of transport available to senior military personnel was the use of the Ethiopian air force.

Political pundits add that successful shooting down of planes such as this attack helicopter will not only limit the movement of the military personnel but will also hamper their presence on the ground at a time when senior leadership is required by the foot soldiers that are incurring heavy losses in the battle fronts.



Ogaden Online News