Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense confirmed a drone strike on January 30 that killed eight alleged terrorists but also caused civilian casualties. The strike targeted a group purportedly engaged in hostile actions threatening Djibouti’s security. Reports from nearby Ethiopian regions indicate further casualties, raising concerns about the impact of drone operations on civilians and the ethics surrounding such military actions.
The Djibouti Ministry of Defense has confirmed a drone strike executed on January 30 in Addorta, a locality situated within Djibouti’s territory, approximately six kilometers from the Ethiopian border. The operation reportedly resulted in the death of eight individuals identified as “terrorists,” but it also resulted in civilian casualties.
In a statement released on February 1, the ministry indicated that the area had been under surveillance for a week before the strike and identified it as a logistical and operational base used by the targeted group. The ministry acknowledged the unfortunate impact on civilians and confirmed that “collateral damage” occurred, with an investigation initiated to review the circumstances surrounding the civilians’ presence.
The ministry articulated that the targeted group had engaged in hostile operations, including infiltrating Djibouti through multiple routes, posing a danger to military posts and strategic infrastructure, particularly around Lake Assal. The group was also accused of orchestrating targeted kidnappings of school teachers in rural areas, thereby threatening the security of the Lake Assal-Tadjourah corridor.
Reports from Ethiopia’s Afar region suggest that additional drone strikes occurred on the same night in the Elidar district, resulting in more than eight fatalities, including a pregnant woman and two brothers. Witnesses claimed multiple strikes targeted the area, leading to injuries among the residents, with some requiring medical treatment at Dubti General Hospital.
Residents accused the drone strikes of being an escalation, stating that this incident was the second occurrence in two months and claimed it was justified under the pretext of assaulting the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), an armed opposition group. The Djiboutian League for Human Rights reported even higher casualty figures, asserting that 14 individuals lost their lives, including four women, describing the attack as a “war crime” against civilians.
The incident involving the Djibouti drone strike reflects ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly concerning the operations against groups perceived as threats to national security. The situation is further complicated by cross-border tensions with Ethiopia, where both countries are grappling with the ramifications of armed groups impacting civilian safety and stability. The responses from local residents and human rights organizations highlight the broader humanitarian concerns following military actions in these contested areas.
In summary, the drone strike conducted by Djibouti’s Ministry of Defense resulted in significant fatalities among purported militants and unintended civilian casualties, leading to extensive international scrutiny. Reports from residents in Ethiopia’s Afar region have raised concerns regarding the frequency and justification of drone strikes in the area. The claims of war crimes emphasized by human rights organizations warrant further investigation, underscoring the need for accountability and safeguarding civilian lives during military operations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
