Armed attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region kill dozens

An armed group attacked villages, homes, and Orthodox Christian churches in the Shirka district of Ethiopia’s Oromia region on Saturday. Reports from residents and church officials indicate that between 43 and 51 people were killed, with at least 18 others injured. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project stated the assault appeared to be religiously motivated, targeting Orthodox Christians.

The violence triggered clashes with local militias that continued through Saturday evening. Local religious leaders have appealed to the Ethiopian government to intervene and restore security. While the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is monitoring the situation, independent verification remains difficult due to media access restrictions in the region.

This incident follows broader reports from the Ethiopian Human Rights Council regarding civilian casualties, abductions, and displacement across several regions, including Amhara, Gambella, and Benishangul-Gumuz, linked to ongoing armed conflicts.