On January 30, 2023, Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense conducted a drone strike in Addorta, killing eight alleged terrorists but also resulting in civilian casualties. The ministry stated the area was under surveillance and had been identified as a base for hostile operations. Reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region indicated additional casualties from drone strikes, with local groups condemning the attacks as war crimes.
The Djiboutian Ministry of Defense confirmed the execution of a drone strike on January 30, targeting a locality known as Addorta, which is situated approximately six kilometers from the Ethiopian border. The ministry reported the neutralization of eight individuals, identified as “terrorists,” during the strike, while also acknowledging civilian casualties.
In a statement released on February 1, the ministry indicated that the area had been under surveillance for a week and was recognized as a base for hostile operations. The ministry is conducting an investigation to determine the reasons for the civilian presence at the site and has stated that humanitarian assistance is being provided to those affected.
The statement further alleged that the targeted group was involved in hostile activities that included infiltration attempts and had presented threats to Djibouti’s strategic infrastructure. It accused the group of being involved in the kidnappings of local school teachers and endangering key transport corridors.
This drone strike coincided with reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region, where witnesses mentioned multiple drone strikes in the same night, resulting in fatalities including a pregnant woman. Local allegations also suggested that this was the second drone attack in two months against the area, purportedly aimed at the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD).
The Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) asserted that the attack was more devastating than reported, claiming that 14 individuals were killed, including four women. It characterized the incident as a war crime targeting Afar civilians, amidst fears of further unrest and escalation in the region.
The Ethiopian government has yet to issue a statement regarding the drone strikes, leaving uncertainties around the broader implications of this military action and its impact on civilians in the region.
The drone strike by Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly along the borders with Ethiopia. The operations are linked to ongoing security concerns regarding armed groups, specifically the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), which have been accused of various hostile actions. The situation is further complicated by implications for civilian safety and humanitarian considerations in conflict-affected areas.
In summary, Djibouti’s drone strike on January 30 resulted in significant casualties, including fatalities among civilians, and has drawn criticism regarding its humanitarian implications. The military operation was justified by the Djiboutian government as a necessary action against terrorist threats. However, conflicting reports from local residents and human rights organizations raise serious questions about the impact of such military actions on civilian populations in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
