Over 60 killed in targeted attacks in Arsi Zone

Over 60 civilians have been killed in targeted attacks in the South East Oromia Zone (formerly Arsi Zone) last week, according to reports. The violence specifically targeted followers of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church, with fears that the death toll could rise significantly. Reports and eyewitness accounts to Deutsche Welle indicate that children and women were among the victims, with churches burned and many homes destroyed in the Shirka, Marti, and Aseko districts.

The attacks have displaced thousands of people, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The Oromia regional government has blamed a group identified as "Tsimdo" for the violence. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and local observers have criticized the recurrent nature of these attacks and the government's failure to prevent them, noting that the ongoing instability has raised serious security concerns among the public.