STATUS AND DISPOSITION OF ETHIOPIAN AND SOMALI FORCES IN THE BALENBALE, GALDOGOB, AND ABDIWAQ AREAS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00840R000301350001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 6, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: July 1, 1985
• Content Type: REPORT

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NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
imagery analysis report
Top Secret
Status and Disposition of Ethiopian and
Somali Forces in the Balenbale, Galdogob,
and Abdiwaq Areas (S)
Top Secret
IAR-0010/85
JULY 1985
Copy 4 7
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THE STATUS AND DISPOSITION OF ETHIOPIAN AND
SOMALI FORCES IN THE BALENBALE, GALDOGOB, AND
ABDIWAQ AREAS (S)
1. This report has been prepared in response to Intelligence Community inquiries concerning the
disposition of forces along the Ethiopian-Somali border. It provides an imagery-derived analysis of the
status and disposition of Ethiopian and Somali forces deployed in the Balenbale, Galdogob, and Abdiwaq
areas of the central border region (Figure 1 and Table 1). The report covers the period from July 1982
and includes one locator map, three area maps, one table, and five annotated 25X1
photographs. (S/WN)
2. Since mid-1982, the border towns of Balenbale, Galdogob, and Abdiwaq, along the disputed
provisional administrative line between Ethiopia and Somalia, have been areas of unsettled tensions and
hostilities between the two countries. In July 1982, a combined Ethiopian and Somali Democratic
Salvation Front (SDSF) force attacked and captured the towns of Balenbale and Galdogob in Somali-
claimed territory. Since that time, these towns and the surrounding areas have been controlled by
Ethiopian forces. Major Somali military forces have also been concentrated in these two areas to prevent
further Ethiopian incursions into Somalia. During this same time period, the town of Abdiwaq in Ethiopian
territory has remained under Somali military control. Ethiopian forces have not threatened the Somali
presence in Abdiwaq and the surrounding area. (S/WN)
3. Most of the forces deployed in these areas can be identified from imagery.
4. In July 1982, combined Ethiopian and
SDSF infantry forces-supported by armor, artil-
lery, and aircraft-attacked and captured the So-
mali-occupied town of Balenbale (Figure 2). After
securing Balenbale and the surrounding area,
these forces began to prepare a perimeter of de-
fensive trenches and personnel firing positions.
This defensive network extends 1.5 nautical miles
(nm) into Somali-claimed territory. Also during July
1982, Somali forces began to prepare a corre-
sponding network of defensive trenches approxi-
mately 3 nm south of the Ethiopian positions. Be-
tween August 1982 and December 1984, the
opposing forces continued to construct defensive
positions and reinforce their ground combat units
with additional armor, artillery, and air defense
IAR-0010/85
5. The Balenbale area includes two major
Ethiopian deployment areas and two major Somali
deployment areas. Ethiopian forces have been de-
ployed at Balenbale Complex
which encircles the town of Balenbale, and at Ba-
lenbale Military Concentration Northwest (BE
approximately 11 nm northwest of
Balenbale. Opposing Somali forces have been de-
ployed at Balenbale Division/Brigade/Battalion
bale. (S/WN)
25X1
25X1
25X1
Headquarters 3 nm south of Ba- 25X1
lenbale and at Laan Ijaabo Military Deployment 25X1
Area 14 nm southwest of Balen- '225X1
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de Tadjoura
Gulf of Aden
0 50 100 150
I I I I
MILES
IAR-001085
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APPROXIMATE PROVISIONAL
ADMINISTRATIVE LINE
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Table 1. Status and Disposition of Ethiopian and Somali Forces
(Items keyed to Figure 1)
1 BTR-60PB mechanized infantry to (6 APCs)
2 122mm howitzer D-30 bns (24 guns)
1 130mm field gun M-46 btry (4 guns)
2 76mm antitank ZIS-3 btrys (8 guns)
2 BM-21 MRL btrys (8 MRLs)
1 ZSU-23/-4 SPAAG btry (4 SPAAGs)
Infantry units (undetermined size)
Balenbale Military 2 122mm howitzer D-30 btrys (8 guns)
Concentration Infantry units (undetermined size)
Northwest
Brigade/Battalion
1 tank co (8 tanks)
1 mechanized infantry platoon (2 APCs)
Elements of 2 FA bns (23 guns)
Elements of 1 MRL btry (2 MRLs)
1 AA btry (4 guns)
2 mortar btrys (12 mortars)
Infantry units (undetermined size)
Laan Ijaabo 1 FA btry (4 guns)
Military Infantry units (undetermined size)
Deployment Area
2 Galdogob Area
Ethiopian Forces Galdogob Military
1 tank to (5 tanks)
Elements of 1 BTR-60PB mechanized infantry to (3 APCs)
Elements of 1 122mm howitzer D-30 bn (8 guns)
1 130mm field gun M-46 bn (12 guns)
Elements of 1 76mm antitank ZIS-3 bn (8 guns)
1 ZSU-23/-4 SPAAG btry (4 SPAAGs)
Elements of 1 SA-9 SAM btry (2 SA-9 TELs)
Infantry units (undetermined size)
Galdogob Military 1 mortar btry (4 mortars)
Deployment Infantry units (undetermined size)
Southeast
Galdogob Military Infantry units (undetermined size)
Camp Northwest
Deployment Area
Balli Fintir
Deployment Area
Northwest
1 tank co (5 tanks)
1 122mm howitzer D-30 bn (12 guns)
Elements of 1 FA bn (8 guns)
Infantry units (undetermined size)
Elements of 1 mechanized infantry co (1 APC)
1 FA btry (4 guns)
Elements of 1 37mm AA btry (1 gun)
Infantry units (undetermined size)
3 Abdiwaq Area
Somali Forces Abdiwaq Complex 2 AA btrys (4 37mm AA guns and 4 ZU-23 AA guns)
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LAAN IJAABO
MILITARY DEPLOYMENT
AREA
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BALENBALE DIVISION/
BRIGADE/BATTALION/
HEADQUARTERS
r- ..q
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Ethiopian Forces
6. The Ethiopian forces at Balenbale Com-
plex have been encircled by a series of T-shaped
trenches that extend 1.5 nm south of Balenbale
into Somali-claimed territory. A cleared field of fire
has been prepared in front of these trenches.
These trenches support numerous infantry fighting
positions and weapons positions. (S/WN)
7. Ethiopian forces deployed at Balenbale
Complex included elements of one tank battalion
(14 tanks), one mechanized infantry company
equipped with BTR-60PB armored personnel carri-
ers (APCs; six APCs), two 122mm howitzer D-30
battalions (24 guns), one 130mm field gun M-46
battery (four guns), two 76mm antitank ZIS-3 bat-
teries (eight guns), two BM-21 multiple rocket
launcher (MRL) batteries (eight MRLs), one ZSU-
23/-4 self-propelled antiaircraft gun (SPAAG) bat-
tery (four SPAAGs), and infantry units of undeter-
mined size. The tank battalion was deployed in
three company-sized units (three to six tanks each)
in revetted positions north and east of Balenbale
(Figure 3); the mechanized infantry company was
deployed in a grove of trees immediately west of
town; the two antitank batteries were positioned
east and west of town along the trench line; and
the field artillery (FA) battalions, MRL batteries,
and SPAAG battery were concentrated 1.5 nm
north of the town. All equipment in this area has
been deployed in revetted firing positions. (S/WN)
8. The Ethiopian forces at Balenbale Military
Concentration Northwest have been encircled by
inner and outer networks of trenches separated by
a cleared field-of-fire zone approximately 50 me-
ters in width. These positions were occupied by
infantry units of undetermined size. Two 122mm
howitzer D-30 batteries (eight guns) were in revet-
ted firing positions east of the complex, approxi-
mately 100 meters from the defensive perimeter.
(S/WN)
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Somali Forces
9. The Somali forces at Balenbale Division/
Brigade/Battalion Headquarters were deployed
approximately 3 nm south of Balenbale, astride
three lines of trenches. The first and northernmost
line of trenching was prepared between March
and December 1984. This network of trenches was
2.5 nm south of the Ethiopian positions at Balen-
bale and extended 3.5 nm in an east/west direc-
tion. The second line of trenching was approxi-
mately 3 nm south of the Ethiopian positions and
was 4.5 nm in length. The third and final line of
trenching was approximately 4 nm south of Balen-
bale and was 1.5 nm in length. (S/WN)
10. Somali forces in this area included one
tank company (eight tanks), one mechanized in-
fantry platoon (two APCs), elements of two FA
battalions (23 guns), elements of one MRL battery
(two MRLs), one antiaircraft (AA) battery (four AA
guns), two mortar batteries (12 mortars), and infan-
try units of undetermined size. The tank company
and mechanized infantry platoon were deployed
in individual, revetted vehicle positions along the
first and second lines of trenches. These forward
positions were supported by three FA batteries
concentrated 4.5 nm south of the deployment area
and by one field artillery battery 4.5 nm southwest
of the deployment area (Figure 4). This artillery has
been augmented by an MRL battery and defended
by an AA battery. The MRL battery and AA battery
were separated by approximately 600 meters on an
east/west linear axis, 800 meters south of the FA
concentration. The two mortar batteries were po-
sitioned within approximately 800 meters of each
other and were astride the second line of trench-
ing. (S/WN)
11. The Somali forces at Laan ljaabo Military
Deployment Area, approximately 10 nm west of
the Somali concentration at Balenbale Division/
Brigade/Battalion Headquarters, consisted of two
trench-enclosed areas occupied by infantry units
of undetermined size. One FA battery (4 guns) has
been deployed in a revetted firing position in this
area. (S/WN)
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Overview
12. In July 1982, combined Ethiopian and
to an area 3.5 nm southwest of Galdogob and
prepared several small brush-enclosed defensive
areas and several lines of personnel trenching. In
SDSF forces also attacked and captured the Somali 25X1
town of Galdogob (Figure 5). After securing the
town and surrounding area, the Ethiopian forces
began to prepare trenches and to establish a mili-
tary concentration on the northwestern side of
Galdogob. The Somali forces at this time were
positioned near the Somali town of Balli Fintir,
approximately 11 nm east-northeast of Galdogob. 13. The Galdogob area includes three major
Between August 1982 Ethiopian Ethiopian deployment areas and two major Somali 25X1
forces continued to prepare and reinforce their deployment areas. Ethiopian forces have been de-
defensive positions in the Galdogob area. Also ployed at Galdogob Military Facility (BE
during this period, Somali forces advanced 5.5 nm which encircles the town of Galdo- 25X1
GALDOGOB
MILITARY
FACILITY/
IAR-0010/85
BALLI FINTIR
DEPLOYMENT
AREA NW
GALDOGOB MILITARY
DEPLOYMENT SE
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gob and extends 1.5 nm into Somali-claimed terri-
tory; at Galdogob Military Deployment Southeast
1.5 nm southeast of the town;
and at Galdogob Military Camp Northwest (BE
approximately 8 nm southwest of
Galdogob. Somali forces have been deployed at
Balli Fintir Deployment Area 4.5
nm northeast of Galdogob, and at Balli Fintir De-
ployment Area Northwest ap-
proximately 3 nm northeast of town. (S/WN)
Ethiopian Forces
14. The Ethiopian forces at Galdogob Mili-
tary Facility have been encircled by a series of
linear trenchworks, brush, and infantry fighting po-
sitions. The two primary lines of defensive posi-
tions are approximately 1,000 meters to the north
and south of Galdogob. These positions each ex-
tend 1.5 nm in a northeast/southwest direction.
(S/WN)
15. Ethiopian forces deployed at Galdogob
Military Facility included elements of one tank
company (five tanks), elements of one BTR-60-
equipped mechanized infantry company (three
APCs), one 130mm field gun M-46 battalion (12
guns; Figure 6), elements of one 122mm howitzer
D-30 battalion (eight guns), elements of one 76mm
antitank gun ZIS-3 battalion (eight guns), one ZSU-
23/-4 SPAAG battery (four SPAAGs), elements of
one SA-9 battery (two SA-9 transporter erector
launchers [TELs]; Figure 7), and infantry units of
undetermined size. The tank company, FA battal-
ions, air defense batteries, and mechanized infan-
try company were concentrated 1.25 nm north-
west of town. The artillery battalions and air
defense batteries were positioned in prepared, re-
vetted firing positions, while the tanks and APCs
were parked/concealed under trees, brush, and
canvas. The antitank battalion was positioned
along the northeastern trench line 1.5 nm east of
town. (S/WN)
16. The Ethiopian forces at Galdogob Mili-
tary Deployment Southeast have been encircled by
an inner perimeter of trenching/infantry fighting
positions and an outer perimeter of brush separat-
ed by a cleared field-of-fire zone approximately
100 meters in width. These positions were occu-
pied by infantry units of undetermined size. Addi-
tionally, one mortar battery (four mortars) was in a
revetted firing position near the center of the facili-
ty. (S/WN)
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17. The Ethiopian forces at Galdogob Mili-
tary Camp Northwest have been enclosed by an
outer perimeter of infantry fighting positions, a
center perimeter of brush, and an inner perimeter
of defensive trenches with infantry units of unde-
termined size. No military equipment has been
observed here. (S/WN)
Somali Forces
18. The Somali forces at Balli Fintir Deploy-
ment Area were deployed 1.5 nm northeast of
Galdogob Military Deployment Southeast and 4.5
nm northeast of Galdogob. The Somali military
units were primarily enclosed in numerous brush-
secured areas along the Galdogob-Galcaio Road.
In addition, one trench line, approximately 1,000
meters long, was 1.5 nm northeast of Galdogob
Military Deployment Southeast. (S/WN)
19. Somali forces deployed in this area in-
cluded one tank company (five tanks) and one
122mm howitzer D-30 battalion (12 guns), ele-
ments of one FA battalion (eight guns), and infantry
units of undetermined size. The tank company
(Figure 8; one tank not on graphic) and artillery
battalions were concentrated within four separate-
ly secured areas 5.3 nm northeast of Galdogob.
(S/WN)
20. Somali forces at Balli Fintir Deployment
Area Northwest were deployed behind three cres-
cent-shaped trench lines. Each trench was 1.25 nm
in length and was between 2.25 nm and 3.75 nm
northeast of Galdogob. Numerous infantry fighting
and weapons positions were directly behind these
trenches. In addition to the trenching, the Somali
forces in this area have prepared separately se-
cured brush- and trench-enclosed areas that con-
tained numerous infantry fighting positions and
revetted vehicle positions. (S/WN)
21. The Somali forces deployed in this area
included elements of one mechanized infantry
company (one APC), one FA battery (four guns),
elements of one 37mm AA battery (one AA gun),
and infantry units of undetermined size. The FA
battery was positioned 3.75 nm northeast of Gal-
dogob. The AA battery and mechanized infantry
company were positioned directly behind the
trench line closest to the Ethiopian perimeter
around Galdogob. (S/WN)
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ABDIWAQ AREA
22. Somali military units have historically oc-
cupied and controlled the town of Abdiwaq (Fig-
ure 9), 1 nm west of the approximate provisional
administrative line between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Since late April 1982, these forces have expanded
and reinforced the defensive perimeter around the
town approximately 9 nm into Ethiopian territory.
Ethiopian forces have not threatened the Somali
occupation of Abdiwaq and the surrounding area.
No Ethiopian forces have been observed within 20
nm of Abdiwaq. (S/WN)
23. The Abdiwaq area includes one major
Somali deployment area, Abdiwaq Complex (BE
which encircles the town of
approaches to the area and extend approximately
9 nm into the central Ogaden region of Ethiopia. In
addition, numerous separately brush-secured ar-
eas have been observed within the defensive pe-
rimeter on the northwestern side of town. Numer-
ous infantry fighting positions and weapons
positions have been prepared in these areas and
along the trench lines. (S/WN)
24. Somali forces deployed in defense of
Abdiwaq included two AA batteries (each with two
37mm AA guns and two ZU-23 AA guns) and in-
fantry units of undetermined size. The AA batteries
were positioned within a brush-enclosed perime-
ter, approximately 200-300 meters to the north-
east and southwest of town. Heavy vehicle tracks
within the defensive perimeter of Abdiwaq indicat-
ed the presence of additional military forces or
Abdiwaq. The Somali forces have been deployed
in a series of defensive trenches that protect all
IAR-0010/85
equipment. (S/WN)
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SOMALI POSITIONS
ROAD/PATH
APPROXIMATE PROVISIONAL
ADMINISTRATIVE LINE
All applicable satellite imagery from
FIGURE 9. ABDIWAQ AREA
SOMALIA
was used in the preparation of this report. (S/WN)
Comments and queries regarding this report may be directed to
East/South Asia Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC, orL_
25X1
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