At least 60 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church faithful were killed in two coordinated attacks in the Arsi Zone of Ethiopia's Oromia region on October 20 and October 24, 2026.
Casualties and Timeline:
- October 20: 14 people were killed in the Merti District (Gora Silingo).
- October 24: 46 people were killed in the Shirka District (Tereta, Chole, and Birbo villages).
Impact:
More than 20 people were seriously wounded, including children. Approximately 20 homes were burned to the ground as attackers blocked exits and set houses ablaze.
Disputed Responsibility:
The Oromia regional government and federal officials have blamed the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a rebel group fighting the government. Sources linked to or representing the opposition have denied targeting civilians, pointing instead to regional dynamics or security failures.
Church Response:
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church condemned the killings as a brutal and merciless massacre, criticized local security forces for inaction, and called on the federal government to protect vulnerable rural communities. Global memorial prayers have been instructed across Orthodox churches and monasteries.
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