Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike on January 30, killing eight alleged terrorists in Addorta but resulting in civilian casualties. Eyewitnesses from Ethiopia reported additional drone strikes causing multiple fatalities in the Afar region. Human rights groups condemned the attacks, claiming they disproportionately impacted civilians and amounted to war crimes.
On January 30, Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike in Addorta, approximately six kilometers from the Ethiopian border. The strike reportedly resulted in the deaths of eight individuals classified as “terrorists,” though the ministry acknowledged civilian casualties. The operation was described as targeting a logistical base used by hostile groups believed to threaten local security.
The Ministry’s statement emphasized that the area had been under surveillance for a week prior to the attack, identifying the targeted group’s involvement in various hostile actions. These included attempts at infiltrations and kidnappings of rural school teachers, escalating concerns for the security of key infrastructures, notably at Lake Assal.
Simultaneously, reports emerged from Ethiopia’s Afar region about additional drone strikes claiming more than eight civilian lives, including a pregnant woman and children. Eyewitness accounts suggested multiple strikes on January 30, raising alarms about the repeated targeting of this area.
Furthermore, the Djiboutian League for Human Rights articulated concerns regarding the strikes, alleging that these actions constitute war crimes against civilians. Reports indicated that the number of casualties might exceed fourteen, with extensive disruptions to civilian life caused by ongoing drone activity.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region involving Djibouti and its response to perceived terrorist threats. Specific groups, such as the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), have been noted as antagonists against the Djiboutian government. The situation is compounded by overlapping territorial conflicts and the complex humanitarian implications of military actions within civilian areas.
The Djibouti drone strike indicates a firm stance against perceived terrorism but has raised serious humanitarian concerns due to civilian casualties. Reports from neighboring regions emphasize the precarious nature of security operations and the significant risk to innocent lives. Ongoing monitoring and assessments of such military actions will be crucial in balancing national security with humanitarian needs.
Original Source: addisstandard.com