Over 20 people arrested in Sirka Woreda, Arsi Zone, Oromia, following recent attack

Over 20 people have been arrested by security forces in Sirka Woreda, Arsi Zone, Oromia region, after arriving to help victims or attend funerals following a recent attack. Residents and church sources told the BBC that those detained—including mothers with children—were accused of assisting the attackers, a claim residents strongly deny as baseless.

While some detainees have been released, several remain in custody, and others are reportedly being sought by authorities. Local administrators have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the arrests. This incident follows reports that approximately 60 people, including women and children, were killed in attacks in the Sirka and Marti areas last week.