Security Service foils terror plot to incite violence during Irreechaa festival

Addis Ababa, October 2, 2020 (FBC) –The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) said it has foiled a terror plot to incite violence in various parts of the country in connection with Irreechaa festival.

Irreechaa, a thanksgiving holiday of the Oromo people, will be celebrated on Saturday in Addis Ababa and on Sunday in Bishoftu town.

In a statement sent to FBC, the NISS said members of a group linked to OLF-Shene were arrested while they had been planning to cause violence in alliance with some forces of destruction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

It said 10 AK-47 rifles along with 280 bullets were seized on September 26 in Haik town, South Wollo zone, being transported from the city of Mekelle to Bati town.

Endris Eyasu Mohammed, a member of OLF-Shene and one of those individuals recruited to carry out the terror attacks, had been orchestrating the attack along with security bureau head of Tigray regional state, Tekiu Mitku and some TPLF forces of destruction, it indicated.

The terror plot was foiled in a joint operation by NISS, Federal and Amhara Regional Police Commissions as well as the National Defence Forces, the release noted.

In the statement, the Security Service highly appreciated the participation of the community in thwarting the terror plot.

In a related development, the Oromia Police Commission arrested more than 500 while they had been planning to incite violence during the celebration.