Holy Synod reports 60 killed in targeted attacks in Arsi Zone, Oromia

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has announced that 60 people were killed in targeted attacks in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia region in late October 2026. The attacks occurred on October 20 in Merti district, where 14 people were killed, and on October 24 in Shirka district, resulting in 46 deaths. The incidents also left over 20 people seriously injured and caused the burning of 20 houses. The Church has strongly condemned the violence, calling on the government to provide protection for civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna confirmed the attacks and stated that security forces are taking action against the armed group known as OLA (Shane). Human rights organizations report that such targeted violence has been escalating in the region since 2021, causing hundreds of deaths over the past four years.