Addis-Ababa (KAAB TV) – More than eight people were killed and several others were injured in an aerial attack carried out by drones on January 30, 2025, which took place in the Afarta region of Ethiopia. especially near the Djibouti border, as confirmed by sources.
The attack took place specifically in Siyaru Kebele area, which is part of Eli-Daar district, located in the border area of the two countries.
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said the attack happened “several times throughout the night,” and resulted in “the death of more than eight people.” The total number of casualties cannot be officially confirmed yet, he added.
The deceased included a pregnant woman and two brothers, while at least four others sustained serious injuries, two of whom are currently being treated at Dubti General Hospital, located in Dubti, Afarta region, according to said the local person.
According to an eyewitness in the area, the list of the dead includes Mohamed Aydahis, Gama Ali Orbis, Kako Ali Orbis, Ali Mohamed Kako, and Aysha Baddul Ali.
The injured include Mayram Mohamed Abdalla, Fatuma Ali Hammed, and Ali Mohamed Ali. However, he noted that the complete list of casualties is not yet available.
The local person pointed out that the attack was behind the Djibouti government, noting that it is “the second time in two months” that drones have targeted the area.
He argued that the attack was carried out “allegedly targeting FRUD,” a rebel group that opposes the Djibouti government.
Another source, who also spoke to the Addis Standard newspaper, said the attack was related to the difficult tensions between Djibouti and the FRUD faction.
The source indicated that Djibouti authorities “claim that FRUD fighters have bases in the border area,” and alleged that the attack targeted local residents, “as a pretext for an attack against FRUD” or as part of the same. day “to forcibly evict local people from the region.”
The Djibouti Human Rights Organization (LDDH), a human rights activist organization in the country, said that the attack was very damaging and confirmed that “14 people died, including four women.” ah,” and a number of others, including “women and children,” were injured.
The organization claimed that the drones “continued to bombard nomad camps throughout the night,” causing further casualties.
In a press release issued on January 31, 2025, the organization strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “war crime that deliberately targets the civilians of Afar,” and questioned the support given by foreign governments to the army. Djibouti, wondering, “How long will Turkey and China continue to arm the Djibouti regime that massacres poor nomads with deadly drones?”
Tensions between the Djibouti government and FRUD have escalated in recent years, with the group accused of attacking security forces.
In October 2022, Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense reported that seven soldiers were killed in an attack on the Tadjourah Brigade. The ministry then said that the FRUD fighters “terrorized and robbed people living in remote areas” and promised that “the chase is on” to arrest those behind the attack.
At the time, the Ethiopian government strongly condemned the attack, calling it “brutal and cowardly” and expressed its “full readiness” to support Djibouti in dealing with security threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia later revealed that it “facilitated the release” of six Djibouti soldiers who were held hostage by the FRUD, noting that the soldiers were handed over in cooperation between them and the Afarta state government.