A widespread and horrific attack targeting Orthodox Christians and churches is happening in the Oromia region, East Arsi zone, Aseko woreda since May 31, 2026.
Local residents have informed me by phone that so far 49 people have lost their lives, and they fear that more than 280 people whose whereabouts are unknown and who cannot be reached by phone may have also been killed.
The residents stated that OLA (Shene) militants carried out the attack and mentioned these armed groups had previously attacked an area called 'Teleta Gabriel' more than seven times.
What makes the current situation different is, they said, is that militants from Merti woreda, Fentale, Kereyu, and the Itu area all gathered together, numbering approximately three thousand. Crying and screaming in panic, residents report that these militants came to the Aseko woreda and completely burned down Biyo kebele, Teleta Gabriel, Kufte, Medhane Alem, and the surrounding areas.
Residents say the attacks have now spread to Irecha Michael, Sunte Maryam, Lencha Oda, Kwas Dire, Arba Kela, Weranbus, and various other places. They stated that, so far, not a single government force has entered the area, and the militants have laid siege to the surroundings, preventing anyone from escaping while carrying out a massacre.
This area is Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebie's birthplace; perhaps she even knows some of the deceased, or studied or worked alongside them. Let's assume that unlike what we see in the rest of the world, that is going to the scene immediately to calm and comfort the public was impossible due to the ongoing attacks. But when such a horrific attack is committed in her birthplace, why did she fail to simply say 'rest in peace' and condemn the act?
What about other officials and security forces? Why have the country's defense forces, police, militia, air force, and other forces been unable to prevent an attack that has been going on not just for hours, but for days up to this very moment?
The situation in this country is sometimes exhausting. When the people cry out for rescue, these days they plead to the media rather than the government. Yet, when the media delivers this information to the public, it is the media itself that ends up being insulted and persecuted by both the public and the government.
Anyway, writing this gives me a bit of relief. However, the condition of the citizens I spoke to... the crying, panicking, and screaming... is a tragic reality that will never be erased from my mind.
May their souls rest in peace!
#Ethiopia: More than 40 Orthodox Christians have reportedly been massacred, and centuries-old churches have been burned by Oromo Islamist militants, who are alleged to be supported by the Abiy Ahmed regime, in the East Arsi Zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region since May 31, 2026.
Dozens of Orthodox Christians Reportedly Killed in Fresh Violence in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone
At least 37 Orthodox Christian civilians have reportedly been killed in a new wave of violence in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone of the Oromia region, according to church sources, raising fresh concerns over security and communal tensions in the area.
The attacks allegedly occurred in Tefa Kebele of Aleko Teleta District and began on the eve of Ethiopia’s general election, according to reports received by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Church officials say several other residents remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
The violence reportedly targeted multiple communities and religious sites. Among the most significant incidents was the destruction of St. Gabriel Church, a century-old Orthodox church that was reportedly burned to the ground. A letter sent by local church authorities to the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate confirmed the destruction of the church and detailed the scale of the attacks.
According to church officials, more than 280 households were displaced after armed assailants attacked villages, burned homes, and forced residents to flee. Church authorities described the events as a large-scale assault that caused extensive human and material losses.
The attacks were also reported in several neighboring localities, including Zedibu, Erecha Michael, Sunte Mariam, Bogdo Abo, Lencho Ada, Jiso, and Dire kebeles. Residents and church representatives said homes, livestock, and other property were looted or destroyed during the violence.
In a separate incident, a facility used by Holy Saviour Church for religious activities and guest accommodation in Kore Kuftele was reportedly damaged.
Church sources said the attacks continued on election day and criticized what they described as a delayed security response from local authorities. However, government officials have not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
Abune Elsae, Archbishop of the Arsi and Somali Jigjiga dioceses, confirmed that attacks had taken place and submitted a report to the Patriarchate listing victims and documenting damage caused during the violence.
The latest incident follows a series of deadly attacks reported in parts of Arsi and other areas of Oromia in recent years. Church leaders and community representatives have repeatedly raised concerns over the security situation and called for stronger measures to protect civilians and religious institutions.
In March 2026, church sources reported that more than 30 Orthodox Christians were killed in a separate attack in Arsi, while hundreds of residents were displaced.
Federal and regional authorities have previously stated that security operations have significantly weakened armed groups operating in Oromia and rejected accusations that attacks are being carried out on the basis of religion or ethnicity.
The latest reports are likely to intensify calls for an independent investigation into recurring violence in the region and renewed efforts to ensure accountability for attacks against civilians.
Satan tricked man into creating death. But God tricked Satan back. He became man and died so He could descend into the underworld and set its prisoners free. The Uncontainable One could not be contained there. The Gates of Hades exploded open. The God man destroyed death with death and illumined the abyss. Christ’s love is boundless. It reaches even into Hell.
One of The Most important & Hunted book on Ethiopian History.
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Press Statement
The Centre for Human Rights is gravely concerned by reports of harassment and arrests linked to Ethiopian artist Teddy Afro following the release of his album Etorika.
Artistic freedom must be protected. Read the full statement: https://t.co/rEwC70YLQW
Musicians are often more effective at telling truth to power than journalists or experts. Like him or hate him, Teddy Afro deserves credit for his willingness and courage in saying through song what he sees as failures in Ethiopian politics. Listen!
https://t.co/tJB1tAu71e
من وصیه الـ.شهـ.يد القائد سيد عبد الرحيم موسوي قائد أركان القوات المسلحة الإيرانية مرفقة بعبارات ذات طابع عرفاني:
"الدنيا شيء سيئ، لأنه حتى لو حصلت عليها كلها، فكأنك لم تحصل على شيء".
"ولكن من حسنات الدنيا أيضاً أنك حتى لو خسرتها كلها، فكأنك لم تخسر شيئاً".
In 1986, the American Medical Association published an article titled "The Physical Death of Jesus Christ". It details the entire process of Jesus' trial to His death on the cross.
In Luke 22, before Jesus is arrested, it is written that He was in great distress & sweating blood. Although rare, it is recognized as Hematidrosis, a condition caused by high levels of stress.
At the time, the crucifixion was considered the worst death for the worst of criminals. But this is not all Jesus faced. He endured whipping so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. He was beaten so horribly that His face was torn & His beard ripped.
A crown of thorns, 2-3 inches long cut deeply into His scalp. The leather whip used to flog Him had tiny iron balls & sharp bones. The balls caused internal injuries while the sharp bones ripped open His flesh. His skeletal muscles, veins, & bowels are exposed, causing major blood loss. Most men do not survive this kind of torture. After Jesus was severely flogged, He was forced to carry His cross while people mocked & spat on Him.
Crucifixion was a process meant to instill excruciating pain, creating a slow & agonizing death. Nails as long as 8 inches were driven into Jesus' wrists & feet. The Roman soldiers knew the tendons in the wrists would tear & break, forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support Himself to breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the courage...Jesus endured this reality for 3 hours!
The Gospel of John writes that after Jesus' death, a Roman soldier pierced His side with a spear & blood & water came out. Scientists explain that from hypovolemic shock, the rapid heart rate causes fluid to gather in the sack around the lungs & heart. The accumulation of fluid in the membrane around the heart is called a Pericardial effusion & the lungs is called a pleural effusion.
To the world, Christianity is as foolish as it can get. They believe it's for the weak. But when you are confronted by the reality of the cross, it's clearly not a pretty sight. It is brutal & horrific.
This is the weight Jesus carried. The weight of the sins of the world, all so that we can live. God's wrath is fully satisfied in Jesus. This is what it took. Repent & believe! Jesus is “God among us” in the flesh. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus loves you so much that He went through this spiritual and physical punishment for your sins and mine.
Jesus is the LORD, Almighty God, Everlasting Father.
Thank You, Jesus.
ስነ ጥበብ 👌🏽
Incredible talent! እንደዚህ ያለ ስነ ጥበብ ካየሁ ባጀሁ:: from the plot, to the actual poetic narration, the act, the video production. Great work 👏🏽
Video credit 📸 IG: @comedian_yasino
After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.
I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.
It has been an honor serving under @POTUS and @DNIGabbard and leading the professionals at NCTC.
May God bless America.
Tough negotiator. Today in 1894 company formed to build a railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti, after agreeing to Emperor Menelik II's demands: 1)Ethiopia puts up $0 on project but receives company shares and half of all profits exceeding 3 million francs; 2) a new telegraph line
New investigation out tomorrow documents sexual violence, summary killings, and displacement in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
These are not isolated abuses; they are war crimes that demand justice.
More Christians Massacred in Arsi According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Synod.
AEPAC unequivocally condemns the recent massacres of Christians in Arsi, as reported by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod.
The Permanent Holy Synod issued an official statement following the killing of believers in Arsi, calling on the government to uphold the rule of law. According to the Synod, in addition to previous displacement and exile, a new attack was carried out in the East Arsi Diocese, during which 21 innocent Orthodox Christians were brutally killed. Survivors were reportedly abducted, and their whereabouts remain unknown. More than 10 households had their homes and property destroyed or burned.
The Synod emphasized that although the perpetrators committed these crimes in the name of religion, they do not represent any genuine faith. It stated that their objective is to create conflict among religious institutions and called upon followers of all religions to strongly condemn these atrocities.
The Synod further urged both federal and regional authorities to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to live and worship freely, to fulfill their responsibility to protect the public, to bring those responsible to justice, and to provide an immediate and lasting solution to the crisis. Until sustainable peace is restored, the “National Peace and Church Unity Main Committee,” established by the Holy Synod, will continue strengthening its engagement with federal and regional governments.
On March 2, during a congressional staff briefing, AEPAC shared video footage of mourners from the Arsi massacre with participants, underscoring the gravity of the atrocities. At that briefing, AEPAC once again called for the urgent passage of H.Res. 937 to address the ongoing persecution and violence.
AEPAC calls upon all peace-loving nations and international organizations to take immediate and decisive action in response to the continued attacks against Christians in Arsi and throughout Ethiopia. Despite repeated atrocities, both regional and federal authorities have failed to respond nor condemn to stop these acts.
We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and pray for the eternal rest of the martyrs who lost their lives for their faith, and for comfort and strength for their loved ones and for all Orthodox Christians.
@WhiteHouse@StateDept@USEmbassyAddis@UAEthio@UNOSAPG@VP@realDonaldTrump@TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal,
@markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @MikeHammerUSA, @USEmbassyAddis@indefchristians,
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@SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS,
@WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica,
@StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl,@michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP
Arsi Orthodox Genocide
For seven years, Orthodox communities in Ethiopia have endured repeated killings, burned homes, and the erasure of entire families.
Yet the Church’s highest leadership has offered no sustained investigation, no institutional protection, and no public defense equal to the scale of the suffering.
Silence in the face of systematic attacks is not neutrality — it is abandonment.
The world must recognize these ongoing violations of life, faith, and identity, and act before more communities disappear in silence.
Arsi Orthodox Genocide#ArsiOrthodoxGenocide #StopTheKillings #ProtectWorshippers #HumanRights #EthiopiaCrisis #ReligiousFreedom #AccountabilityNow