Addis Ababa Media Council.
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Press Release.
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Straight Drone Strikes on Historical Monasteries and Innocent Clergy
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July 27, 2026
Nu 27/7/2026/15
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While millions of Ethiopians are fighting just to survive through crippling economic hardship, and endless bloodshed, the ruling regime under Abiy Ahmed has committed a horrific atrocity. Confirmed reports reveal the Prosperity government has unleashed a ruthless aerial attack on our defenseless people.
On July 22, 2026, a deliberate drone bombardment targeted the Abay Gedame Asketes St. Arsema Monastery, situated along the Abay River bank near Mekane Selam in the West Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region, resulting in significant casualties and fatalities.
Reports indicate the attack transpired around 10:30 AM. Suffering defeat on the battlefield against Fano forces, the administration has resorted to aggressions against defenseless civilians, elders, mothers, children, and church stewards. The strike directly impacted nuns engaging in daily food preparation within the sanctuary’s kitchen. Two nuns perished instantly amidst initial rescue efforts, while over eight sustained critical injuries. Due to the lack of specialized medical transport, survivors were conveyed via local three-wheeled vehicles to the Mekane Selam Health Center, where many remain in precarious condition.
To the People of Ethiopia, what we are witnessing today is not the result of war. It is a calculated, heartless assault on the very soul of our nation, a deliberate strike aimed at the Amhara people and the sacred foundations of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
To attack our ancient sanctuaries, to rain down violence upon peaceful holy lands where prayers have echoed for centuries, is to attempt to tear out our roots and erase who we are. It threatens the very survival of our shared home.
Our holy monasteries, historic churches, and communities of faith are sacred. They are places of refuge and peace, and they must be fiercely protected from political madness. To turn serene houses of God into targets of war is a sickening descent into moral darkness. To unleash such brutality against innocent souls who have surrendered their entire lives to prayer and divine service is an outrageous violation of humanity itself and an offense before the Almighty. It is not enough to simply feel sorry for what happened. Every single person who cares about our holy traditions must be outraged by this evil act and speak out.
The Addis Ababa Media Council unequivocally denounces this horrific attack by regime, and calls upon all Ethiopians to unite decisively against this oppressive system.
United we will be victorious!
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Addis Ababa Media Council July 27, 2026