Attackers kill 60 people in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromiya region, Orthodox church says

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1. 1h ago

   Ethiopian Orthodox Church Reports Over 60 Killed in Oromia

   At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia's Oromiya region over the past week, according to the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Church authorities stated that 14 believers died in Merti Woreda on October 20 and 46 died in Sherka Woreda on October 24. While church leaders demanded stronger government protection, justice, and action following the massacre, officials did not provide details on the perpetrators or how the victims died. Catholic bishops warned that the ongoing conflict deepens religious divisions.

   Why it matters

   The Oromiya region has faced prolonged conflict that creates extreme danger for civilians and religious groups. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church serves millions of adherents in the country, and targeted violence against its members heightens instability. Church leaders and international religious freedom advocates continue to press state authorities for civilian defense in vulnerable rural areas.

   What is confirmed

   • At least 60 people were killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia's Oromiya region in the past week.
   • The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said 14 believers were killed in Merti Woreda on October 20.
   • The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said 46 believers were killed in Sherka Woreda on October 24.
   • Church authorities stated that the dead were all Christians.
   • Ethiopian Orthodox leaders called for justice, protection, and action following the attacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A resident described one of the attacks as an ambush where assailants surrounded the village from all four directions and stated that children were among the dead as families fled violence.

   What to watch next

   • Government security response or official statements regarding the identity of the attackers
   • Investigations by human rights monitors into the specific methods and perpetrators of the Merti Woreda and Sherka Woreda massacres
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. BBC — Ethiopia attacks: More than 60 Orthodox Christians killed in Oromia
   2. Al Jazeera — Sixty Christians killed in Ethiopia’s Oromia region
   3. Vatican News — Sixty people killed in attack on Orthodox Christian village in Ethiopia
   4. AP News — Attacks kill at least 60 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, church says
   5. Reuters — Attackers kill 60 people in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromiya region, Orthodox church says
   6. The Pillar — Who is killing Christians in Ethiopia?
   7. OSV News — Ethiopian Orthodox leaders call for justice, protection after 60 Christians killed in attacks
   8. www.marketscreener.com — Anthropic gives markets another shot in the arm | MarketScreener
   9. malaysia.news.yahoo.com — Attackers kill 60 people in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromiya region, Orthodox church says - Yahoo News Malaysia
   10. kathmandupost.com — Attackers kill 60 people in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Oromiya region, Orthodox church says - The Kathmandu Post
   11. srnnews.com — Attackers kill 60 people in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Oromiya region, Orthodox church says - SRN News
   12. thecatholicherald.com — Ethiopian Orthodox Church demands action after 60 believers are killed
   confidence 95%