World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
At least 60 killed in attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region
At least 60 people were killed in attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The church said 14 people died in Merti Woreda on October 20 and 46 in Sherka Woreda on October 24.
More than 20 homes were burned and more than 20 people were seriously injured, the church said; another account said residents had fled.
Responsibility for the attacks is disputed: the regional government blamed a rebel alliance, while a source linked to the alliance blamed the government.
The alliance includes the Oromo Liberation Army, which has been blamed for previous attacks on Orthodox Christians and denies those allegations.
The regional government said it would act against those responsible, while the church said its repeated concerns about insecurity had not been resolved.
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
The church said 14 people died in Merti district on October 20 and 46 in Shirka district on October 24.
More than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned, the church said.
Responsibility for the attacks is disputed, with the regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance blaming each other.
The Oromo Liberation Army has not commented on these attacks and has denied previous allegations of attacking civilians.
- Who
- At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed. The church said all those killed were Christians.
- What
- Two attacks killed at least 60 people. More than 20 people were injured and 20 homes were burned, according to the church.
- When
- October 20 and October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Merti and Shirka districts in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
- Why
- Not stated. The regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance gave conflicting accounts of who was responsible.
Oromia regional government
Source linked to the rebel alliance
Responsibility
Oromia regional government
The regional government blamed the rebel alliance for the attacks, saying they were intended to spark religious conflict.
Source linked to the rebel alliance
The source linked to the rebel alliance blamed the regional government for the killings, citing conversations with two local residents.
Evidence
Oromia regional government
The regional government did not provide evidence for its accusation.
Source linked to the rebel alliance
The source cited conversations with two local residents.
The church said 14 people were killed in Merti district.
The church said 46 people were killed in Shirka district.
The church issued a statement about the killings, according to the reports.
The Oromia regional government and a source linked to a rebel alliance traded blame for the attacks, according to Reuters.
- Deaths
- At least 60 people
- October 20 toll
- 14 killed in Merti district
- October 24 toll
- 46 killed in Shirka district
- Injuries
- More than 20 people seriously injured
- Homes burned
- 20, according to the church
- Location
- Oromia region, Ethiopia
3 sources
What people are saying
extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens
We were completely unprepared and had no prior knowledge. They surrounded us from all four directions.
such actions undermine the country's values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence