Over 70 Suspects Arrested Following Deadly Attacks in Arsi Zone

The Oromia Regional Government announced that 73 suspects have been arrested following a deadly attack in the Shirka district of the Arsi Zone. Oromia Communication Bureau Head, Hailu Adugna, stated that those detained include members of 'Fano' and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA/Shene). The attack specifically targeted followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, prompting the United States to demand an independent investigation into the incident. Local residents have directly blamed the Oromo Liberation Army for the violence.

In addition to the Shirka district incident, another attack in the neighboring Marti district resulted in the deaths of over 15 people. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported a total of 60 followers killed across both districts. Eyewitnesses confirmed that over 40 people were killed and buried in mass graves in the Shirka district, with at least 20 others sustaining injuries. The security situation remains a matter of significant national concern following these multiple violent incidents.