Weapons, ammunition recovered as police commence Operation Ondoa Jangili in Marsabit, Isiolo

A multi-agency security team raided Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) hideouts in Sololo and Merti in Marsabit and Isiolo counties on Tuesday, as part of the National Police Service's (NPS) Operation Ondoa Jangili, which was launched on Monday to dismantle and disrupt the militia's operations and enhance security in the region.

The security operation led to the recovery of several items, including weapons and ammunition, walkie-talkies, camera stands, a solar panel, a generator, marijuana and other items believed to be used by the militia in carrying out their illegal activities.

“The Militia group has taken advantage of close family and cultural ties between the Borana of Kenya and Oromo of Ethiopia to infiltrate and hide amongst the population and continue committing atrocities causing untold suffering,” said the NPS in a statement on X.

“These recoveries mark the beginning of sustained efforts to eliminate criminals from the areas and affirming NPS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, fostering a secure environment for the local communities.”

Classified as a "terrorist organisation" by Addis Ababa, the OLA, an armed insurgent movement from the Oromia region, has been fighting the Ethiopian government since 2018, after splitting from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) when it renounced armed struggle.

Since the OLA broke off from the OLF and started fighting, a string of armed groups have risen up in Oromia claiming to be part of its cause, although they are only loosely tied.

The OLA's strength, estimated at a few thousand men in 2018, has increased significantly in recent years, though observers believe it is insufficiently organised or well-armed to pose a real threat to the federal government.

Oromia, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, has suffered ethnic massacres in recent years carried out by unknown groups, particularly in the Qellem Wollega and West Wollega areas.

The OLA has been repeatedly accused by the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed -- himself of Oromo descent -- of being responsible for the killings, a charge it denies.