A drone strike by Djibouti’s security forces killed eight alleged terrorists near the Ethiopian border, with reports of civilian casualties. The targeted group, FRUDA, is classified as a terrorist organization by Djibouti, and the government maintains the strike occurred within its territory. This incident reflects ongoing regional conflicts and the complexities of countering terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
Djibouti’s security forces executed a drone strike near the Ethiopian border, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals categorized as members of a terrorist group. The incident took place in Addorta, approximately six kilometers from the Ethiopian border, according to a statement from Djibouti’s defense ministry. The ministry also acknowledged that there were reports of collateral damage affecting civilians, although specific details were not disclosed.
Alexis Mohamed, an adviser to President Ismael Omar Guelleh, identified the targeted militants as members of the Armed Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUDA), which the Djiboutian government designates as a terrorist organization. He stated that the group was engaged in hostile activities that could threaten Djibouti’s military positions.
Contrary to Djibouti’s assertions, an Ethiopian newspaper, the Addis Standard, reported that the attack occurred on Ethiopian territory, a claim denied by Djibouti officials. Mohamed reaffirmed the strike took place within Djibouti’s borders. Djibouti security officials did not provide further comments to VOA Somali regarding this incident.
The region has a history of conflict, highlighted by a previous attack on soldiers in October 2022, which resulted in fatalities and kidnappings linked to FRUD. The group emerged in 1991, initially leading an insurgency in support of the Afar community against the Issas, the other predominant ethnic group in Djibouti. Over time, FRUD became part of a ruling coalition, yet its armed branch continues to perpetrate violence.
Djibouti hosts military bases from countries such as the United States and China due to its strategic location on the Bab El Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime passageway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This drone strike follows a recent U.S. military operation targeting the Islamic State affiliate in Somalia, indicating ongoing regional security operations.
Djibouti’s recent drone strike underscores the ongoing military efforts against terrorism in the Horn of Africa. The Armed Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUDA) poses a considerable threat to national security, having previously conducted insurgent activities since its establishment in the early 1990s. The geopolitical significance of Djibouti, with military installations from multiple foreign powers, emphasizes the importance of its security operations and their implications for regional stability.
The drone strike by Djiboutian forces highlights the persistent conflict involving terrorist organizations in the region. While the government claims to have neutralized a threat, concerns about civilian casualties raise questions regarding the operational strategies employed. The Dunjaei situation illustrates the complexity of maintaining security in a geopolitically significant area that is susceptible to insurgent actions and cross-border tensions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
