The United States is deeply concerned about recent reports of targeted killings of civilians in Arsi zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. The United States condemns religious, ethnic, or political motivated violence. Such horrific attacks against any group must stop. As we seek to understand this tragedy, the United States urges against characterizations that could deepen division. The United States calls on the government of Ethiopia to investigate and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

• The Incident: Reports indicate that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks across the Merti and Shirka districts in the Arsi zone. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported the killings took place on October 20 and October 24, 2026. [1]
• U.S. Response: The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga condemned the violence, stating that religiously, ethnically, or politically motivated attacks must stop. Washington urged against narratives that could deepen social divisions while the full circumstances are assessed. [1, 2]
• Reactions and Context: Local church leaders and community groups have urged for stronger civilian protection and independent accountability, pointing to a longer pattern of violence in parts of Oromia, while federal and regional authorities face ongoing security challenges across multiple regional conflicts