Ethiopia Arrests 73 Suspects over Deadly Civilian Attacks

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian authorities have announced the arrest of 73 suspects in connection with recent violent attacks that left civilians dead and displaced scores from their homes in the southeastern part of the country’s Oromia region.

Speaking to Ethiopian state media outlets on Monday, Hailu Adugna, head of the Oromia regional government communication service, said civilians were killed in “horrific circumstances” as a result of the deadly attacks in the Shirka district, located in the Arsi Zone of the East African country’s largest Oromia region. The deadly incident occurred on Oct. 24, when “organized groups engaged in terrorist activities committed an act of unprecedented brutality, targeting innocent civilians who were unable to defend themselves,” Adugna said.  “As a result of this tragic act, innocent lives were lost under horrific circumstances, public and government property was burned and destroyed, and citizens were displaced from their homes and properties,” he added. The official stressed that the government is actively working to uphold the rule of law by bringing the perpetrators to justice and assisting the affected communities. Accusing a newly formed rebel coalition of carrying out the brutal assault on civilians, Adugna said that the government will continue to strengthen its law enforcement operations. He noted that “unable to derail Ethiopia’s development, these destructive forces formed the alliance to carry out acts of terrorism.” As part of ongoing security operations, he noted that 73 suspects were taken into custody and remain under investigation, while six localities where members of the rebel coalition operated have been cleared. The official, however, did not disclose the exact number of casualties or displaced individuals resulting from the violence. Local media reported that around 60 people were killed in the series of attacks targeting vulnerable communities in the area.

Source – Xinhua.