Confirmed reports received from Jigjiga reveal utter chaos has prevailed over the city within 24 hours since the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) seized control. Following the incursion into the city last night by Ethiopian defense forces, five civilians where killed and a subsequent curfew was implemented in the city.
As of this morning local contacts reveal widespread pillaging and looting taking place in Jigjiga being perpetrated by non Somalis. Eye witnesses revealed even mosques are not being spared in this onslaught. Minority ethnic groups residing in the city are using the Ethiopian military presence as a shield to target Somalis throughout Jigjiga. Ethiopian defense forces have been spotted watching the carnage take place and some instances even taking part in the indiscriminate targeting of civilians.
Minority ethnic groups residing in Jigjiga armed with machetes are attacking Somalis while Ethiopian defense forces are opening fire on civilians. A total of 14 people are dead and the casualties are expected to rise. Internet access remains shutdown in the city, subsequently isolating the local population from the outside world. A dire situation has befallen the residents of Jigjiga, yet whats most disturbing is that the regime based in Addis continues to turn a blind eye and in reality is complicit in the onslaught taking place in the city.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments and updated from the region.
Halgan Media
