The Djibouti Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike on January 30 that killed eight alleged terrorists but also resulted in civilian casualties. Reports of further fatalities in the Ethiopian Afar region during the same night raised alarm over ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns. Human rights organizations condemned the attacks as war crimes targeting civilians, sparking calls for accountability and a thorough investigation.
On January 30, the Djibouti Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike in Addorta, claiming it neutralized eight terrorists near the Ethiopian border. The strike, conducted within Djibouti’s territory, was alleged to target a base used by hostile groups, though it resulted in civilian casualties as well. The ministry is currently investigating the presence of civilians and has initiated humanitarian assistance efforts for those affected.
According to the ministry’s statement, the targeted group was believed to be involved in hostile actions that threatened national security, including kidnappings of school teachers. There are reports from the nearby Afar region in Ethiopia indicating that more than eight individuals were killed in separate drone strikes that same night, raising concerns about the frequency of these attacks. Residents described multiple strikes, resulting in casualties that included vulnerable individuals.
The Djiboutian League for Human Rights described the incident as a severe humanitarian crisis, estimating that 14 people died, including women and children, accusing the attacks of being war crimes targeting civilians. The Ethiopian government has not issued a response to the events that transpired during this nighttime assault, with residents expressing fear over repeated drone strikes in their area.
The drone strike conducted by the Djibouti Defense Ministry on January 30 has drawn significant attention due to the civilian casualties that were reported alongside the claimed neutralization of terrorists. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning militant groups allegedly involved in cross-border actions and kidnappings, which pose security risks to Djibouti’s strategic assets. The response from local communities and human rights organizations underscores the complexities of military engagements in densely populated regions and the humanitarian considerations that arise from such conflicts.
The drone strike in Djibouti’s Addorta locality has raised serious concerns regarding the collateral damage inflicted on civilians, highlighting the challenge of addressing security threats while minimizing harm to non-combatants. Human rights organizations have condemned the military actions as potentially war crimes, emphasizing the need for accountability and thorough investigations into civilian casualties. The response from the Djiboutian and Ethiopian governments will be critical in shaping the trajectory of security and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
