EHRC Confirms 48 Killed in Attack in Arsi Zone

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has reported that 48 people were killed in an attack by armed groups in the Sirka district of Oromia's South East Zone. The commission confirmed the deaths of 23 security personnel, 5 militia members, and 13 civilians, along with 7 others killed by other irregular armed individuals. The attack also left 20 people injured, burned 21 homes, and displaced 247 families. Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo urged the government to strengthen security protections and early warning systems for residents in the affected areas. This report follows a recent statement by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which claimed 60 believers were killed in attacks across two Arsi districts earlier this month.