Over 50 detained in Oromia after burying victims of attack on Orthodox faithful

Over 50 residents in the Shirka Woreda of the Southeast Zone (formerly Arsi Zone), Oromia, have reportedly been detained by security forces after burying victims of recent attacks and assisting the wounded. The arrests followed violent attacks by armed men in Chole and Birbo kebeles, which residents state left at least 48 people dead and over 31 injured. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod reported that 60 Orthodox Christians were killed during the attacks on October 20 and 24. Local residents expressed concern that these detentions represent a broader security crackdown following the mass killings. Attempts to reach the regional communication bureau for comment regarding the arrests and the attacks have been unsuccessful.