Armed groups killed four Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) members and seven civilians in Benishangul Gumuz’s Bulen Woreda on 4 January 2021, as reported by Addis Maleda.
According to Addis Maleda’s report, the gunmen targeted civilians who had returned to their village to collect their belongings after fleeing previous violence in the area. The gunmen believed to be from the nearby Soya Woreda, opened fire on these individuals.
When security forces arrived at the scene, an exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the death of four members of ENDF and injuries to three others. Local sources revealed to Addis Maleda that while the situation has somewhat improved, the gunmen continue to target civilians in rural kebeles. They cited examples of two farmers who were shot and injured while harvesting their crops. The residents assert that the gunmen are employing a new tactic: pretending to cooperate with the government while simultaneously attacking civilians.
The report also highlights an increasing number of displaced people in the area. A member of the Bulen Youth Volunteer Association confirmed to Addis Maleda that these displaced individuals are living in temporary shelters under challenging conditions, lacking essential humanitarian aid and healthcare provisions.
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