Ethiopian troops 'occupy Somali town'

There are concerns in Somalia over the breakdown of communications links with the strategic provincial town of Baidoa.

A BBC correspondent in the capital, Mogadishu, says it has been impossible to make any phone or radio contact with Baidoa.

Ethiopian troops had crossed into Somalia from three directions

Somali govt spokesman Abdi Zakaria

The news come a day after the Somali information minister, Zakaria Mohamud Hajji Abdi, said a large number of Ethiopian troops had crossed the border and entered Baidoa.

However Ethiopia's senior foreign affairs official, Yemane Kidane, has denied any involvement in the situation.

Mr Kidane, whose government does not recognise Somalia's transitional government, told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that his country has not and does not need to deploy any troops in Somalia. "Our troops are at the border," he said.

Various factions are involved in the 11-year war

Residents in several Somali regions bordering Ethiopia also say they have not witnessed any troop movements.

But Mr Zakaria told a news conference the Ethiopian troops had crossed in large numbers on Tuesday from three different directions taking positions in Baidoa, Hiran and Nugal regions.

He said their aim was to re-take the potentially rich southern port of Kismayo, the scene of fierce fighting between the pro-government forces and the Ethiopian-backed Somali Reconciliation and Reconstruction Council.

Baidoa is densely populated and produces most of the country's sorghum, one of its staple food crops. It also has good road links to other parts of the Somalia.

The Somali transitional government, set up last year with international support, has been trying to establish control over the country but has been opposed by an alliance of several factions.

Somalia has been ruled by various factions and warlords since civil war broke out 11 years ago against the government of the late President, Mohammed Siad Barre.