16 Killed in Attack on Escorted Public Vehicles in Gambella Region

Residents reported that an armed attack on public transport vehicles in Abol Woreda, Gambella Region, resulted in the deaths of 16 people and left 57 others injured. The attack occurred on Meskerem 8 at around 1:00 PM near an area called Akade. The targeted vehicles were part of a convoy traveling from Gambella town to Nuer Zone under government security escort. Armed attackers opened fire with heavy weapons on six vehicles carrying civilians, including parents with children. Local sources noted that bad road conditions forced the convoy to travel slowly, leaving them vulnerable in an area where similar attacks have escalated recently. High tension has reportedly developed in the area following the incident. Efforts to get detailed clarifications from regional officials were mostly unsuccessful, though the Regional Peace and Security Bureau confirmed to Deutsche Welle that casualties had occurred.