Ethiopia's ruling junta denies ONLF claims of capturing towns
A spokesman for Ethiopia's ruling tribal junta, Woyanne, on Monday dismissed claims that Ogaden rebels had captured seven towns in the southeastern Somali Ogaden region following heavy fighting earlier this month.
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) claimed Saturday it had carried out a broad offensive launched on several fronts on November 10 and inflicted defeats on government troops.
"It's a baseless claim, blank propaganda. This terrorist group is currently disbanded from government campaigns," government spokesman Shimelis Kemal told AFP.
The rebels claimed killing 626 government soldiers as well as capturing military hardwear and "sensitive intelligence gathering material."
Shimelis admitted that incidents took place in the region, but refuted rebel claims of victory. (AFP)