Sultan of Afar Denounces Deadly Drone Strike That Killed Eleven Villagers
On February 12, 2025, Sultan Ahmed Alimirah of the Afar region issued a vehement condemnation of the Republic of Djibouti's security forces following a devastating drone strike that resulted in the deaths of eleven villagers near the Djibouti-Ethiopia border. The drone attack occurred on January 30, 2025, in a remote area already struggling with basic necessities like access to clean water and healthcare. The victims, predominantly civilians including women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly unarmed and attacked during a period when they were facing extreme hardships.
The Sultan's statement described the victims as defenseless civilians who were ruthlessly targeted. Among the deceased were prominent names from the affected community, including Gamma Ali Orbiss, Kako Ali Orbiss, Mohamed Aydahis, and several others. Tragically, three children aged between 10 and 13 years were also among the casualties. In addition to the fatalities, multiple individuals sustained injuries, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this violent incident.
The Sultanate of Afar holds Djibouti’s government accountable for this lethal operation, asserting that security forces claimed to be targeting terrorists while allegedly disregarding the lives of innocent civilians. The statement from Sultan Alimirah referred to a history of systematic persecution faced by the Afar people, characterized by a violent campaign sponsored by the state and a long-standing neglect by the Djiboutian authorities. Reflecting on decades of hardship, he articulated a compelling narrative of the challenges faced by the Afar populace who have endured violent repression and marginalization.
The Sultan emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that civilians have become the targets for military exercises, where the Afar region has become a testing ground for lethal weaponry against one of the most vulnerable and abandoned populations. In light of these issues, the Sultanate asserted its readiness to provide graphic evidence of the attack, including images of the victims, to international human rights organizations and legal authorities to facilitate an investigation and seek justice for the affected families.
Calling for immediate global intervention, the Sultan urged international bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into these heinous acts and to visit the impacted regions. He expressed a desire for the global community to take necessary actions to halt the incessant atrocities committed against the nomadic Afar people. The communication concluded with a strong appeal for support and assistance to improve the dire living conditions faced by the Afar populace, who continue to suffer from widespread violence and neglect.
The despair surrounding this recent drone attack mirrors a broader context of violence and instability in the region, highlighting issues that go beyond individual incidents and tap into deeper, systemic problems related to governance, security practices, and the plight of marginalized communities. As tensions remain high and the ramifications of these actions continue to unfold, many hope that international pressure and scrutiny will lead to a cessation of violence and tangible measures ensuring the protection and dignity of civilian lives in the Afar region.
The Sultan's statement described the victims as defenseless civilians who were ruthlessly targeted. Among the deceased were prominent names from the affected community, including Gamma Ali Orbiss, Kako Ali Orbiss, Mohamed Aydahis, and several others. Tragically, three children aged between 10 and 13 years were also among the casualties. In addition to the fatalities, multiple individuals sustained injuries, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this violent incident.
The Sultanate of Afar holds Djibouti’s government accountable for this lethal operation, asserting that security forces claimed to be targeting terrorists while allegedly disregarding the lives of innocent civilians. The statement from Sultan Alimirah referred to a history of systematic persecution faced by the Afar people, characterized by a violent campaign sponsored by the state and a long-standing neglect by the Djiboutian authorities. Reflecting on decades of hardship, he articulated a compelling narrative of the challenges faced by the Afar populace who have endured violent repression and marginalization.
The Sultan emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that civilians have become the targets for military exercises, where the Afar region has become a testing ground for lethal weaponry against one of the most vulnerable and abandoned populations. In light of these issues, the Sultanate asserted its readiness to provide graphic evidence of the attack, including images of the victims, to international human rights organizations and legal authorities to facilitate an investigation and seek justice for the affected families.
Calling for immediate global intervention, the Sultan urged international bodies to conduct a thorough investigation into these heinous acts and to visit the impacted regions. He expressed a desire for the global community to take necessary actions to halt the incessant atrocities committed against the nomadic Afar people. The communication concluded with a strong appeal for support and assistance to improve the dire living conditions faced by the Afar populace, who continue to suffer from widespread violence and neglect.
The despair surrounding this recent drone attack mirrors a broader context of violence and instability in the region, highlighting issues that go beyond individual incidents and tap into deeper, systemic problems related to governance, security practices, and the plight of marginalized communities. As tensions remain high and the ramifications of these actions continue to unfold, many hope that international pressure and scrutiny will lead to a cessation of violence and tangible measures ensuring the protection and dignity of civilian lives in the Afar region.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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