The town of Birqod after the Tuesday’s incident (Photo: Birqod Media/Facebook)Addis Abeba – A mother of two children named Shugri Abdulahi Ibrahim was shot dead while 16 others were injured by security forces in Birqod district of Jarar zone in Somali regional state on Tuesday, after security forces opened fire on protesters. A resident who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons told Addis Standard that the protest erupted after individuals allegedly commissioned by the regional government sealed a water borehole vital for locals. Two out of the 16 injured were in a critical condition and were taken to Jigjiga referral hospital, which is located more than 240 km kilometers from Birqod district, they added. Following the protests, security forces went door to door and arrested more than 80 people, including elders, religious leaders, women, and youth, another informant told Addis Standard. A doctor from the hospital confirmed to Addis Standard that four of the injured are receiving treatments at the hospital, one critically injured victim is referred to another hospital whereas the other remaining victim was discharged after immediate treatments.

Source: Ethiopian News July 20, 2023 16:40 UTC