At least eight civilians were killed and many others wounded in a drone attack in Ethiopia’s Afar Regional State, APA learnt over the weekend.
According to information, the government of Djibouti allegedly carried out the attack which occurred on 30 January 2025, near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border at Siyaru Kebele, Elidar district.
A cross-country driver, who arrived at the place where the attack was occurred, told APA that the attack was launched “under the pretext of attacking militants of FRUD,” referring to the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), an armed group opposed to the Djiboutian government.
He has confirmed “the second time in two months” that drones had targeted the area and a pregnant woman and two brothers were among the victims.
The governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti had designated a five kilometer radius on either side of the border as a free zone. The area is often infested by armed groups engaged in conflict with the government of Djibouti, the driver told APA.
The residents who requested anonymity told the driver that the attack happened “multiple times during the night” and resulted in “the deaths of more than eight people.”
Local officials say there has not been a response from higher levels of government as of Friday night.
Neither have further investigations been conducted.
MG/as/APA