The Ethiopian Red Cross Society has reported that two drivers were seriously injured in a horrifying attack by militants on two ambulances in Sibu Sire District, East Wolega Zone, Oromia Region, and Tach Armachho District, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region.

According to a statement by the association, the attack was carried out by unknown forces while the ambulances were on a mission to save lives last week. The head of communication for the association, Mesfin Dereje, informed the media that both drivers sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society also revealed that the ambulances were damaged in the attack, expressing extreme regret over the incident. Due to attacks on their volunteers and vehicles, the society is facing challenges in delivering humanitarian services to those who in need.

In response to the incident, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society stated, “Any armed forces involved in such attacks should understand that their actions violate the international Geneva Conventions signed by Ethiopia and go against the mission of the association. It is crucial for our volunteers and vehicles to be able to move freely and safely to carry out their humanitarian duties. We condemn these actions in the strongest terms.”
Last year, on January 10, 2024, an ambulance driver from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society in the central zone of the Tigray region was shot dead by unidentified individuals. The deceased, Ato Woldu Aregawi Berhe, was killed while en route to save the life of woman giving birth, as announced by the association.

Later that year, on October 27, 2024, an ambulance with license plate number ET05-01939, belonging to the Haru district branch office of the West Wolega zone, which was utilized for humanitarian purposes, was set ablaze by armed forces.

It was reported that on February 14, 2024, two Landcruiser vehicles with license plates 5-02826 and 5-02830, both belonging to the association, were confiscated by armed forces while en route to South Gondar and North Gondar zones for humanitarian aid work.

Furthermore, on February 17, 2024, amidst a drought in the Wag Hemera zone, the association reported that armed forces opened fire on a vehicle traveling from Sakota city to Korum city to aid vulnerable individuals affected by the drought.

In a statement released yesterday, the association expressed its condolences to the families of the dedicated workers and volunteers who tragically lost their lives as victims of violence while striving to save the lives of their fellow citizens. They also wished a swift recovery to those who were injured.