Dozens killed in attack on Ethiopia Orthodox Christians

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia witnessed a devastating attack on Orthodox Christian churches and homes on Saturday, resulting in the loss of more than 40 lives and leaving 18 injured, according to local residents and a conflict monitor. Oromia, the largest state in Ethiopia, has been grappling with an ongoing insurgency and ethnic tensions among its Muslim, Protestant, and Orthodox communities. Armed groups have been exploiting these divisions to their advantage.

The attack, which targeted Orthodox Christians in the Shirka district of Oromia, approximately 270 kilometers south of the capital, Addis Ababa, was reportedly motivated by religious beliefs. It prompted clashes with local militias and persisted throughout Saturday afternoon and evening. Verifying the incident's details in Ethiopia is challenging due to stringent media access restrictions.

The state-run Ethiopia Human Rights Commission reported that they were monitoring the situation. An anonymous resident reported that their sister and uncle were killed, and several relatives were taken hostage in the Chole ward of Shirka district. Reports of the toll ranged from 44 to 51 people killed, with ACLED recording 43 fatalities.

Relief organizations have expressed shock over the tragic incident. A deacon of one of the attacked churches estimated the death toll at 46. Some locals have taken refuge in nearby churches to seek safety.