By TESFA-ALEM TEKLE
At least 8 civilians were killed in Ethiopia’s Afar region after Djiboutisn military carried out drone attacks in Ethiopian soil, according to local officials.
Eight others were also injured during the multiple attacks carried out on Thursday.
The aerial attack initially targeted Djiboutian armed groups who are active along the common border.
Following the attack, members of the Afar Diaspora Association in the United States condemned the attack as “brutal.”
The diaspora association said the attack was carried out by a drone belonging to the Djiboutian Defense Forces, and that sixi people, including two brothers, were killed and three others were seriously injured in the areas of Siaro and Elidar.
It condemned the attack and called on the international community, human rights activists and the media to pay attention to the killing of civilians.
The attack is raising serious questions among Ethiopian politicians including by the prominent politician Jawar Mohammed.
“Has the Djiboutian government acknowledged the attack? If so, what justification has it provided? Has the Ethiopian government responded? Was the strike carried out with its knowledge and consent? If not, what measures has it taken so far?” Jawar questions in his post on X.
Ethiopia and neighboring Djibouti reportedly have a deal which allows either side a five kilometer radius on either side of the border as a free zone.
The free zone is often used by armed groups engaged in conflict with the government of Djibouti, according to local sources.
There has been no comment from either the Ethiopian or Djiboutian governments on the incident.
