JUBA, South Sudan
The United States Embassy in Ethiopia has warned of a possible terrorist attack in the capital Addis Ababa and in other parts of the country.
“The Department reminds US citizens of the
ongoing possibility of terrorist attacks in Ethiopia. Terrorists may attack
with little or no warning, targeting diplomatic facilities, tourist locations,
transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants,
resorts, local government facilities and other public areas,” the embassy said.
The embassy urged its citizens to maintain
vigilance and avoid crowded areas and areas frequented by foreigners.
“Do not take photos of government buildings,
police or other Ethiopian security officials, carry a valid form of
identification and copy of your passport and visa, be aware of your
surroundings, stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, if you are
stopped by security forces, stay calm and follow instructions and keep your
family or colleagues informed of your whereabouts and itinerary,” the embassy said.
“The Department of State has no higher priority
than the safety and security of US citizens overseas. US citizens still in the
country should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive
security update.”
In 2008, two bombings in the town of Negele
Boran in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia left three people dead and five injured.
In January 2012, a shooting incident occurred
in Erta Ale volcano of the Afar Region of Ethiopia, leaving five dead and
several others injured. Four people were kidnapped in the attack.
In March 2012, the shooting of a bus in
Gambella town of Ethiopia left 19 people dead and eight wounded. The victims
were Ethiopian residents who were travelling on a public bus, near the town of
Obang.
In 2016, eight Somali nationals were found
guilty of trying to carry out terror attacks in public areas in Addis Ababa and
jailed for nine years.
In 2020, an attack on a bus in
Benishangul-Gumuz Region left at least 34 people dead.
In December 2020 as well, more than 90
civilians were killed in a series of attacks in western Benishangul-Gumuz
regional state, according to the Addis Standard.
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