Devastating Drone Strikes in Amhara Region Kill Over 50 Civilians: Communities Grieve Amidst Ongoing Violence
Drone Strike in North Wollo Leaves Over 50 Dead, Raising Alarms Over Civilian Safety in Ethiopia's Amhara Region
In yet another tragic chapter of Ethiopia’s ongoing war, a drone attack in the North Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region claimed the lives of over 50 civilians on November 28, 2024. The strike targeted a Sino Truck near Segora, close to the Shoga area, killing market vendors, farmers, and youth who relied on the truck for transportation. Eyewitnesses reported harrowing scenes of destruction, with dismembered bodies scattered around the site. Families are left grieving, with funerals stretching across the region as communities grapple with the devastating loss.
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of drone strikes that have plagued the Amhara Region for over a year, intensifying fears and destabilizing civilian life. The Ethiopian government has faced mounting criticism for the use of aerial strikes, which frequently target non-combatants under the pretext of combating Fano resistance fighters.
The aftermath was described as horrifying. Eyewitnesses reported dismembered bodies both inside and outside the truck. One described the scene as “indescribable” and “a moment that made me hate being human.” Another expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident “inhuman.”
A Closer Look at the Attack
The November 28 drone strike underscores the devastating impact of modern warfare on Ethiopia’s civilian population. Two drones were reportedly surveilling the area for hours before unleashing their payload on the vehicle. The targeted truck, a vital means of transport in a region with limited infrastructure, was filled with passengers returning from local markets and church program.
Efforts to recover and identify the victims were arduous. Identification relied on clothing, shoes, and distinctive marks, as darkness and continued drone activity added to the challenges. Witness accounts estimated the death toll at over 50, with several others injured.
The indiscriminate nature of the strike raises serious questions about the Ethiopian government’s rules of engagement. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, previously asserted that drones were employed exclusively against militants. However, residents and eyewitnesses vehemently deny any connection between the victims and militant activities, emphasizing their civilian status.
The Human Cost
The impact of this strike extends far beyond the immediate casualties. Residents describe an atmosphere of terror gripping the Dawent district, as markets and gatherings have become potential targets. This fear is not unfounded; just days after the North Wollo incident, another drone strike in Bilbla, Lasta Woreda, killed an elderly woman and injured several others.
The emotional toll on survivors and witnesses is profound. One eyewitness described the horrifying scene as “indescribable” and questioned their own humanity in the wake of such brutality. The painstaking process of identifying victims relied on clothing and other markers, adding to the agony of grieving families.
“There is no household that hasn’t lost a son or brother,” remarked one resident, encapsulating the depth of suffering in the community. The social fabric of the region has been torn apart, with families mourning loved ones and livelihoods disrupted by the relentless violence.
Drone Warfare and Civilian Casualties in Amhara
Drone strikes in Amhara have become a deadly feature of the Ethiopian government war in Amhara region. According to reports by the Amhara Association of America and other rights organizations, these attacks frequently target schools, markets, and residential areas. Despite government assertions of precision targeting, the evidence overwhelmingly points to indiscriminate violence that disproportionately impacts civilians.
The use of drones has also introduced new challenges for humanitarian intervention. Continued drone activity in the aftermath of strikes hinders rescue efforts, heightens fear, and delays the provision of aid. These attacks have deepened the existing humanitarian crisis in the region, compounding food insecurity and displacement.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has initiated an investigation into the North Wollo attack, but accountability remains elusive. The Ethiopian government has remained largely silent on civilian casualties, fueling international criticism. The lack of official response reflects a broader issue of impunity in the conduct of warfare, as drone technology becomes a tool for suppression rather than security.
International human rights organizations have repeatedly called for independent investigations into drone strikes in Ethiopia, urging adherence to international humanitarian law. The targeting of civilians, intentional or not, constitutes a grave violation of these laws and demands urgent redress.
The drone attack in North Wollo serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of the Ethiopian government’s war and the reckless misuse of modern military technology. As authorities tighten their grip on restive regions, innocent civilians are disproportionately caught in the crossfire, forced to live under the constant shadow of fear from relentless drone strikes. These atrocities demand urgent, independent investigations and decisive action to ensure transparent and accountable governance that protects vulnerable communities. The international community must unequivocally condemn the indiscriminate use of drones and advocate for accountability mechanisms that uphold international humanitarian law.
EAR- Editorial Note
This report incorporates eyewitness accounts and details from a recent BBC Amharic article, which highlights the devastating impact of drone strikes in Ethiopia’s North Wollo Zone. The piece underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for independent investigations and accountability. : https://www.bbc.com/amharic/articles/c938qzvq70qo
