(MENAFN) Ethiopian authorities have detained numerous individuals believed to be members of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), who are suspected of planning assaults across the nation, as reported by a state-run broadcaster on Tuesday.

The report cited a statement issued by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

The detained individuals are reportedly part of the Somali faction of IS, also referred to as Daesh, which operates in the semi-autonomous Puntland region of Somalia.

They were captured during a coordinated effort between Ethiopia's federal police and regional security forces in locations such as the capital, Addis Ababa, as well as in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

According to the broadcaster, the NISS had been actively monitoring the group’s attempts to infiltrate Ethiopia and set up sleeper cells within the country.

The militants are said to have undergone training in Puntland before being deployed to create sleeper cells and organize attacks within Ethiopia.

The statement also revealed that some of the operatives were directly linked to IS, providing logistical, financial, and operational assistance.

Additionally, some individuals were reportedly involved in intelligence gathering and recruitment activities.

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