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Troops make foray

NAIROBI: Ethiopian troops, allied to Somalia's weak transitional government, entered Somalia early on Sunday and reached the southern town where the Government is based, officials and witnesses said. The move was expected to raise tensions with the Islamic militiamen, who oppose Ethiopia and control the capital, Mogadishu, and much of the south. The unknown number of troops crossed the border before dawn and passed through several towns on their way to Baidoa, where President Abdullahi Yusuf's transitional government is based, two militia officials said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Though Ethiopia and Somalia view each other as enemies, having fought a 1977-78 war, Mr. Yusuf is a long-time ally of Ethiopia. In the past, Ethiopian and Somali officials have denied the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia. — AP

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