At least 60 killed in attacks on churches and villages in Ethiopia's Oromia region

Religious and political conflict in Ethiopia has taken a serious turn again. Armed attacks targeting churches and villages were carried out in the country's Oromia region. At least 60 people have been killed in two separate attacks.

The information was provided by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. According to the church, those killed include members of the Orthodox Christian community. Several homes were set on fire and more than 20 people were seriously injured. Fear grips the area, and there are concerns that religious tension may rise.

According to the church, the first attack took place on October 20 in Merti district, in which 14 civilians were killed. A second, deadlier attack followed on October 24 in the Terete, Chole and Birbo areas of Sherka district, in which 46 people lost their lives. Together, the death toll from the two incidents has reached 60.

More than 20 houses were burned in the attacks. More than 20 people had to be admitted to hospital in serious condition.

Armed attackers entered the villages and targeted people. Two churches were also reported to have been attacked. Many families suffered heavy losses as homes burned. The violence has spread panic among families in the area, and many are trying to reach safer places. Church officials have expressed concern that attacks are being carried out targeting a religious community.

It is not yet clear who is behind the attacks. The Oromia regional government has blamed an alliance linked to rebel groups. Sources linked to the rebel alliance, on the other hand, have made serious allegations against the government itself. There has been no independent confirmation of these allegations so far.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has taken note of the incident and is monitoring the situation. The church has demanded that the government take immediate steps to protect people and take strict action against the guilty.