The Joint Anti-terror Taskforce of the National Intelligence and Security Service and the Federal Police has announced it has arrested an organized cell of Al-Qaeda plotting to carry out terror acts in Ethiopia for the first time.

In a press release it sent to ERTA on Sunday, the Joint Anti-Terror Taskforce disclosed that there was and is an external Al-Qaeda attack threat against the nation.

The Taskforce said it has currently discovered that there are Ethiopian citizens who have established close relations with Al-Qaeda and organizing its cell in the nation as well as giving training and education.

The Taskforce said the suspects’ operation is making use of the tendency of extremism being witnessed in recent years.

The statement said the Taskforce has discovered the eight suspects arrested have created relations with Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Al-Qaeda as well as its cells in Kenya, Sudan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and South Africa to carry out their terror mission.

The Taskforce also said its investigation group is carrying out thorough investigation on the suspects in line with the Anti-terror Law after taking investigation period from the court.

ETV News