Special Operations Command Model Force Ready to Take Preemptive Strike: Field Marshal Birhanu

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — The Special Operations Command is a model force for the entire military, capable of swift response to any attack and proactive threat prevention, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said.

Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, Birhanu Jula, noted that the Special Operations Command serves as a primary strategic striking force equipped with specialized military doctrine for rapid response and pre-emptive defense.

The Chief of General Staff provided operational directions on current national issues to military leaders during the conclusion of the Special Operations Command's performance review for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year.

He highlighted that during a critical period when Ethiopia faced severe trials following political changes, the Special Operations Command mounted extraordinary combat efforts to reverse imminent threats against the nation.

Describing the command as a game-changing special force, the Field Marshal noted that the nation deeply honors the sacrifices made by the command and urged it to maintain its exceptional readiness for future challenges.

He emphasized that the defense force has paid immense sacrifices to navigate the country through critical transitions, ensuring that their role extends beyond external defense to securing internal peace and safeguarding national existence.

Field Marshal Birhanu recalled that Shaebia has historically conspired with external adversaries to deny Ethiopia sea access and undermine its strategic interests.

He stated that the illegal Tigray People's Liberation Force compromised national interests during its 27-year rule, actively working to keep Ethiopia landlocked while later committing acts of treason against the national defense force.

Despite repeated betrayal, Ethiopia continues its progress anchored by the dedicated defense force units like the Special Operations Command, he stressed.

The Field Marshal noted that extremist elements operating under foreign agendas have formed a destructive coalition aimed at weakening the state, affirming that such ambitions are bound to fail.

Birhanu added that TPLF has been pursuing divisive political tactics designed to erode trust among Ethiopians.

Citizens across the country, including the people of Tigray, now fully realize the consequences of the disruptive activities of the defunct TPLF.

Field Marshal Birhanu observed that TPLF is currently aligning with foreign interests alongside extremist groups like Shene and Fano, repeating past patterns of opposition to national stability.

He reaffirmed that Ethiopia will press forward on its path toward growth and prosperity, frustrating the designs of historical adversaries.

According to details from Defense Online Media, the Special Operations Command has attained advanced levels of armaments and human resource capacity, maintaining robust readiness to swiftly counter any aggression threatening national sovereignty.