MADRID Jan. 2 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Ethiopian Red Cross reported this Wednesday that two of its ambulances have been attacked while they were carrying out rescue operations in the Amhara and Oromia regions, resulting in the drivers of both vehicles being seriously injured, within the framework of an increase in clashes in the area.
As specified, the ambulances were in the Tach Armachiho district, in the North Gondar area, and in the Sibu Sire district, in the Eastern Wollega area, respectively. Likewise, he has shown images of the damage to the vehicles, where bullet impacts can be seen.
“From time to time, the association faces the challenge of providing its humanitarian services to those who need them through attacks on its volunteers and vehicles,” the NGO denounced in a statement published on its profile on the social network Facebook.
Thus, he has called “on any belligerent force” to “understand” that these “horrible” attacks – for which he has expressed “his deepest regret” – violate the Geneva international conventions signed by Ethiopia and are in against the objectives of the association.
The Red Cross has urged the community to condemn such acts, while advocating for the protection of workers, volunteers and their vehicles, so that they can move freely and carry out their humanitarian work.
The Ethiopian Government declared a state of emergency in Amhara in early August 2023 in response to months of clashes between security forces and the Fano militias, which collaborated with Amhara troops during the 2020-2022 war against the Front of Tigray People’s Liberation (TPLF). Although the measure expired in June, fighting has continued in the area.
The Fano militias were positioned on the side of the Amhara special forces in the war against the TPLF and have also participated in operations against the rebel group Oromia Liberation Army (OLA). The Government’s decision to dissolve these special forces led many of their members to join these militias and carry out attacks against the Army.
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