Djibouti executed a drone strike near the Ethiopian border, killing eight members of the rebel group FRUD A and potentially harming civilians. The Djiboutian government has launched an investigation and emphasizes the threat posed by the militants. The incident highlights ongoing tensions related to ethnic issues and security in the region, as the government contends with both internal and external pressures.
Djibouti’s security forces reported a drone strike on a rebel group near the Ethiopian border, resulting in the deaths of eight militants and an unspecified number of civilian casualties. The operation targeted the Armed Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD A), described by authorities as a terrorist organization. Although the attack occurred in Djibouti territory, Ethiopian media suggested it took place on the Ethiopian side, a claim Djibouti dismissed.
In response to the incident, Djibouti has initiated an investigation, emphasizing that the rebels posed a significant threat to national security. The defending ministry highlighted the unfortunate collateral damage inflicted on civilians during the drone attack near Addorta. This incident follows previous hostilities attributed to FRUD, such as a recent assault on military personnel in the region.
FRUD, which began its insurgency in 1991, arose from concerns within the Afar community regarding representation and rights, particularly in relation to the Issa ethnic group. Although a faction of FRUD supports the current Djiboutian government, the militant wing continues its violent activities. Djibouti, strategically located at a crucial maritime juncture, hosts several international military bases, reflecting its importance in regional security matters.
The drone attack carried out by Djibouti’s military is emblematic of the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Armed Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD A), which perpetrates violence against state institutions. FRUD A, claiming to advocate for the Afar community, has a contentious history, having previously engaged in rebellion against the government. The incident adds pressure on Djibouti’s government to address internal security threats while managing relations with Ethiopia, amidst regional tensions.
The drone attack in Djibouti that resulted in the deaths of eight rebels and civilian casualties underscores the persistent conflict between state forces and the FRUD A group, recognized as a terrorist organization by Djibouti’s officials. The incident highlights the complexity of the security landscape in the Horn of Africa, with underlying ethnic tensions and historical rivalries complicating regional stability. An investigation into civilian harm has been initiated as Djibouti contends with the threat posed by militant groups.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
