29 Ethiopian commando soldiers defect to Eritrea

March 24, 2013 — A total of 29 Ethiopian commando forces, who were trained in Blaten Special Force Institute, have defected to

neighboring Eritrea.

The soldiers vowed they will liberate Ethiopia from what they say is an oppressive and ruthless dictatorship, according to their communiqué released on Saturday.

Ethiopia is no stranger to high profile military defections. in 2005, eight Ethiopian air force pilots, who were training in Israel, defected and claimed asylum at an Eritrean embassy in Israel.

Similarly, In 2006, over 300 Ethiopian troops, including Brigadier General Kemal Gelchu, who along with his trusted colonels, defected to Eritrea.

Durame