Ethiopia’s military has arrested about 171 people suspected to belong to violent groups this week.
The arrests were made in the Benishangul Gumuz and also in Wollega, Horo Guduru, Buno Bedele, Qelem, and IIubabor in Oromia. Some government workers are among the suspects, Ethiopian News Agency reported.
Officials found several weapons during the arrest including 1,031 ammunition, 49 AK 47 guns, and seven anti-tank grenades. About 1.9 million Ethiopian Birr and $12,000 in cash were also discovered at the hideouts were the arrests were made.
Colonel Getnet Endale, the Public Relation Director of the Defence Force of West Command, said about seven stolen government vehicles were also recovered during the raids.
Colonel Getnet said the military is working with members of the community to fish out members of violent groups looking to destabilize the country. More than 300,000 people have been internally displaced due to raging violence in different areas in the Oromia region.
Despite the political and social reform led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, violence has continued in the Oromia region and other parts of the country.
