(MENAFN) Ethiopian authorities have apprehended dozens of individuals believed to be linked to the Islamic State (IS), who were allegedly planning coordinated attacks across the country, according to reports citing the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

The suspects are said to belong to the Somali branch of IS, commonly referred to as Daesh, which operates from Somalia’s Puntland region. Their arrest came as part of a joint effort between Ethiopia’s federal police and various regional security forces. Operations were carried out in multiple areas, including the capital city Addis Ababa, as well as in Oromia and Amhara.

“NISS has been closely monitoring the group’s cross-border infiltration strategies and its efforts to establish sleeper cells in Ethiopia,” according to the report.

Authorities claim the detainees received training in Puntland before being dispatched into Ethiopia to set up clandestine cells and carry out attacks. The group allegedly maintained direct lines of communication with IS leadership and was actively involved in facilitating logistics, finances, and operational planning. Some members were reportedly also working as recruiters and intelligence agents.

Daesh, while smaller in size compared to Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab, remains a significant threat in the region. The two extremist groups are known to compete violently over influence, territory, and ideology, often engaging in deadly clashes. Al-Shabaab continues to be the dominant militant force in Somalia, regularly launching bombings and armed assaults targeting civilians and government forces.

MENAFN19072025000045017281ID1109820778