At least 8 killed in militia attack near Kenya-Ethiopia border

At least eight Somali civilians, including women and children, were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by armed Oromo militiamen in southern Ethiopia near the Kenyan border. The killings occurred in the Malkamari area of Mubaarak District in Ethiopia's Dawa Zone, across the border from Kenya's northeastern Mandera County. Local authorities reported that the attackers descended on a pastoralist settlement early on Saturday, catching residents asleep before opening fire.

The latest violence comes amid escalating tensions between ethnic Oromo and Somali communities in southern Ethiopia, where clashes have spread across several areas along the disputed regional boundary. Thousands of refugees have escaped the violence to the Kenyan side, with residents in Kenya's northern border town of Moyale reporting heavy gunfire and explosions overnight as fighting intensified on the Ethiopian side. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the clashes.

Local authorities attributed the killings to an armed Oromo militia, although the circumstances surrounding the attack could not be independently verified. The attack follows weeks of violence that have displaced thousands of civilians and disrupted trade, education, and essential services along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. The violence has also led to a significant influx of refugees into Kenya.

On Friday, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali reported that two Kenyans had been killed by stray bullets and 22 others injured due to the fighting in neighboring Ethiopia. He also stated that approximately 10,000 residents had been displaced and more than 50,000 Ethiopians had crossed into Kenya seeking refuge. This has placed additional pressure on communities already struggling with limited humanitarian resources.

The latest killings have heightened fears of further violence and displacement as authorities on both sides of the border grapple with the worsening security situation. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact on local communities and the potential for further escalation. Kenya and Ethiopia have been working to address the root causes of the conflict.

According to the source, Shabelle Media Network, the violence has had a devastating impact on civilians. The Ethiopian and Kenyan governments have been urged to take steps to address the conflict and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. The international community has also expressed concern about the situation.

The situation along the Kenya-Ethiopia border remains tense, with ongoing concerns about security and humanitarian needs. Authorities are working to restore calm and provide assistance to those affected by the violence.

Key points

• The attack resulted in at least eight civilian deaths and heightened tensions between ethnic Oromo and Somali communities.
• Thousands of refugees have fled to Kenya due to the violence, straining local humanitarian resources.
• The situation remains volatile, with concerns about further violence and displacement.