Ethiopia has arrested dozens of suspected Islamic State fighters allegedly linked to the extremist group's Somalia-based affiliate, the state-affiliated Fana broadcaster reported on Tuesday. The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) stated that the detainees had been trained and deployed to carry out attacks across Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s state intelligence agency, the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), announced the arrest of 82 individuals accused of being members of Islamic State’s Somalia affiliate, according to a report broadcast by the state-affiliated Fana channel. These arrests mark a significant security operation targeting the Somalia-based faction, which operates mainly out of Puntland, a semi-autonomous region.

The NISS claimed the suspects had been sent into Ethiopia with plans to conduct operations within the country. “NISS has been closely monitoring the group's cross-border infiltration strategies and its efforts to establish sleeper cells in Ethiopia,” Fana reported, citing intelligence officials.

Growing Role of Somalia's Islamic State Wing

The Islamic State’s Somalia branch has reportedly grown in significance within the broader Islamic State network in recent years. Analysts estimate the faction commands between 700 and 1,500 fighters, bolstered by an influx of foreign combatants and increasing financial resources. Despite this growth, it remains considerably smaller than the more established al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which continues to hold significant territory in southern and central Somalia.

U.S. forces have conducted periodic airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Somalia, a campaign that has intensified since President Donald Trump took office, according to the report.

The Puntland authorities have also been active in countering the Islamic State affiliate, launching a major offensive in December that has reportedly recaptured substantial territory from the group. These efforts reflect ongoing regional attempts to curb the influence and reach of Islamist armed factions.