Addis Abeba – The community of Dara district, situated within the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia region, has been subjected to an unyielding attack spanning two days, commencing on 24 December, 2023. According to accounts from local residents, the “Fano militants” are responsible for this surge of violence, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals and injuries to six others.
A resident of the Dara district, requesting anonymity, conveyed to Addis Standard that the militants, believed to have infiltrated from neighboring areas including Marabe and Wagidi districts, as well as Rema town, initiated a series of assaults.
According to the resident’s testimony, the onslaught began in the afternoon of 24 December and continued unabated until five o’clock the following evening.
The resident reported that approximately one month has elapsed since the militants crossed into the border of Oromia. During this interval, they have established a military encampment within the confines of the village known as Ilu Goda Chafe.
The individual further disclosed that the two-day assault resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives in the village of Godima Sosorka, with an additional seven individuals succumbing to the violence in the village of Kara Mitikora.
An additional government employee, who is also a resident of the Dara district, provided information to Addis Standard regarding the assaults. The civil servant stated that the attacks, “backed by substantial armaments like artillery,” occurred in several villages within the district, namely Ilu Goda Chafe, Denu Wobenso, Godima Sosorka, and Karraa MitiKora.
The informant has disclosed that approximately six individuals have sustained severe injuries and are presently receiving medical attention at Dara Hospital, located in Gundo Meskel, which serves as the administrative center of the district.
According to the source, the injured parties encompass the village leader of Godima Sosorka and members associated with governmental security agencies. The source also reported that the casualties of the assault included two women, and an estimated 50 cattle were confiscated during the occurrence.
Additionally, the ongoing security difficulties within the district have hindered educational operations.
The source elucidated that the militant factions have established their presence in 10 of the district’s 41 villages. As a direct result of this, educational facilities throughout the district have ceased operations. “All schools in the 41 villages, excluding the district administration center (Gundo Meskel), have been shut down,” he stated.
Attempts by Addis Standard to get response from officials of Dara district did not yield a result. AS
