US decries reported drone strike on Catholic aid truck in Tigray

The U.S. State Department condemned a reported drone strike on a humanitarian convoy in Ethiopia's Tigray region on September 22. The strike allegedly targeted a truck carrying 45.2 tons of food assistance supported by Catholic Relief Services intended for displaced people in Sheraro.

The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs called for authorities to conduct a full investigation and share the findings to prevent future incidents. The bureau also urged political parties to use dialogue to resolve differences peacefully. The Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom added that humanitarian workers and civilians must be protected and that aid delivery must remain unimpeded.

Abrhaley Girmay, the mayor of Adi-Daero, told Addis Standard that the strike occurred on the morning of September 20 in Swudey village. The Bureau of African Affairs did not name who was responsible for the strike.