Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike on January 30 in Addorta, killing eight purported terrorists and causing civilian casualties. The strike was said to address hostile activities threatening national security. Meanwhile, reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region noted multiple civilian casualties, and human rights organizations condemned the attacks as war crimes. An investigation is underway regarding the civilian impact of this military action.
On January 30, Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike in Addorta, approximately six kilometers from the Ethiopian border, which reportedly killed eight individuals labeled as terrorists. The ministry acknowledged civilian casualties, indicating an investigation was underway to understand their presence during the strike, while humanitarian assistance was dispatched to affected individuals. The targeted group was accused of conducting hostile activities and threatening Djibouti’s security, including attempted kidnappings.
Reports emerged from Ethiopia’s Afar region corroborating civilian casualties related to drone strikes. Residents noted these strikes resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including women and children. This attack was described as the second drone assault in two months, with accusations of targeting a group opposing the Djiboutian government, specifically the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD).
The Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) reported an even higher casualty count of 14 individuals, including four women, claiming that drones struck nomadic camps throughout the night. They termed these attacks a war crime, alleging a deliberate targeting of civilians. To date, the Ethiopian government has not responded to the situation.
The Djibouti Defense Ministry’s drone strike in Addorta occurs amidst growing tensions along the Djibouti-Ethiopia border, marked by accusations of counter-terror operations targeting groups like FRUD. The area has been a focal point of conflict, with recent increases in violence and allegations of targeting civilians in military operations. Understanding this backdrop reveals the complexities surrounding state security, cross-border insurgency concerns, and the impact on local populations.
The situation highlights the hazards of military operations in civilian-populated areas, underscoring potential threats to both national and regional security. The balance between safeguarding territorial integrity and protecting civilian lives remains fraught and contested, with ongoing investigations and human rights allegations complicating the narrative surrounding these drone strikes.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
