Security

Ethiopia Attacks: More Than 60 Orthodox Christians Killed in Oromia

AI SUMMARY

More than 60 Orthodox Christians have been killed in a series of attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region, according to the Orthodox Church.

More than 60 people were killed in a series of attacks on Christians in Ethiopia's Oromia region.
A resident described the assault as an ambush where attackers surrounded them from all four directions.
The regional government stated it would take action against those responsible.
A local official blamed the attacks on the newly formed rebel coalition known as the Alliance for Survival, which includes the Oromo Liberation Army.
The Oromo Liberation Army has not commented on this incident but has denied previous similar attacks.
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported that 20 houses were burnt to the ground.
Security forces arrived at the scene in the Shirka district but were unable to stop the assault.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported in July 2026 that 458 people had been killed in that area over the previous four years.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has previously stated that violence targeting civilians and religious institutions is part of a plan to destabilise the country.
Previous reports have also documented attacks against Muslims in the area, with residents describing the violence as both ethnic and religious.