Ethiopia Condemns Cowardly Attack on Djiboutian Army

ADDIS ABABA – The government of Ethiopia has condemned attacks on the Tadjourah Regiment of the Djiboutian Army last week.

Seven soldiers were killed in an attack by an armed group in the East African country’s north on Oct 7.

In a statement today, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign affairs called the attack “barbaric and cowardly”.

“It conveys its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the bereaved, injured, and missing, as well as to the people and Government of Djibouti,” the Ministry said.

The ministry said Ethiopia stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Djibouti at this difficult moment.

Ethiopia also expressed s its full readiness to closely work together with the Government of Djibouti “in tackling the scourge of terrorism in the region.”

Djibouti’s officials blamed last week’s attack on the “Armed FRUD”, referring to a splinter group of the Front for the Restoration and Democracy.

While violence remains relatively rare in Djibouti, at least three people were killed in fighting in August of last year between members of the Afar and Issa ethnic groups in Djibouti City.

Despite its small size, the nation of about one million people sits on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes where the Red Sea joins the Gulf of Aden.

It hosts the only US and Chinese military bases in Africa and the largest overseas French army base.