Abiy Ahmed’s Drone Strike in North Gojjam Results in 50 Fatalities, Including Pregnant Women

A devastating drone strike in the South Achefer district of North Gojjam, located within the Amhara region, has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of pregnant women and children, as reported by local inhabitants and witnesses to the BBC.

This tragic event took place on Tuesday, October 26, 2017 E.C., roughly 40 kilometers from the central town of Durbet. According to eyewitness accounts, the drone executed three consecutive attacks in the area, beginning around 1:10 AM. The assault was directed at a primary school and a healthcare facility situated near the local market, with residents describing the scene as catastrophic, leading to fatalities among individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has reported that it is currently gathering information regarding the recent drone attack, which has raised significant concerns about the incident’s implications. The commission has communicated its findings to the BBC, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Witnesses have described the victims of the drone strike as including children who were playing, individuals engaged in farming, and mothers who were receiving medical care. Additionally, workers in the vicinity of a church and local residents have also been identified as casualties of this tragic event. The accounts suggest a broad impact on the community, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Local residents have indicated that the drone strike occurred in close proximity to three specific areas, with the BBC noting that these locations are situated within a radius of 300 meters. Prior to the attack, some witnesses reported seeing the drone overhead, suggesting that there may have been prior awareness of its presence. The community’s response reflects a deep sense of loss, with many expressing that the attack seemed aimed at completely devastating their town, leading to a significant number of homes being destroyed.

The incident has been described as a sudden and violent outburst, akin to a bolt of lightning descending from the heavens. One local resident has expressed concern that this unexpected event could be indicative of a larger issue, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Another resident, who witnessed the commotion, noted that the sound of the disturbance reached them swiftly, prompting immediate attention. They remarked on the chaotic scene, referring to it as “overwhelming,” and emphasized the urgency of the situation as they observed the aftermath of the incident unfold around them.

In the aftermath, a different witness recounted that the attack occurred while individuals were gathered at a church, emphasizing the vulnerability of those present. They mentioned that despite the presence of six individuals who attempted to protect themselves, the sheer number of attackers—seven in total—overwhelmed them. The witness lamented the severity of the violence, describing it as a “horrific act” that has left a lasting impact on the community.

The incident in question has been confirmed by a health facility professional, who noted that a serious injury occurred at a maternal care center. It was reported that five mothers and two additional individuals suffered injuries during the attack, highlighting the severity of the situation.

According to the health facility’s expert, the attack specifically targeted mothers who were present at the time, with three female health professionals also sustaining injuries. The nature of the injuries has been described as critical, emphasizing the dire consequences of the assault.

In the aftermath, various media outlets have shared images and footage depicting the aftermath of the attack, illustrating the injuries sustained by individuals in the vicinity. These reports have circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing attention to the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for accountability.

‎News Source- BBC Amharic