 On December 19, 18 technicals and a large number of Ethiopian troops entered Balanbale, Galgadud province, to reinforce troops already positioned in the town.Just prior to the battle, on December 22, Ethiopian troops departed Balanbale where they had been in occupation for the past three months.This was reportedly done at the urging of the tribal elders, who did not wish fighting to break out between the ICU and Ethiopia in their town.