21/09/2026
Dedebit Media ደደቢት ሚድያ
4 h
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*Statement on the Devastating Drone Strike on a Humanitarian Aid Truck and Obstruction of Assistance (20 September 2026)*
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The Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission (TDRMC) expresses grave concern over the reported drone strike on 20 September 2026 targeting an Adigrat Diocesan Catholic Secretariat (ADCS) transport truck carrying humanitarian food assistance supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the United States Government. The incident reportedly occurred in Swudey Village, Hibret Kebelle, between Adi-Dero and Adi-Nebried in the Northwestern Zone of Tigray.
The strike caused severe property damage and injuries. The destroyed food assistance was intended to save the lives of highly vulnerable displaced persons in Sheraro town, who have no viable alternatives for meeting their basic needs.
Drone strikes in Tigray are not new. Repeated air and drone attacks have consistently posed grave challenges and security risks to humanitarian operations, undermining daily efforts to mitigate the impacts of El Niño‑induced drought and other related activities across the region. These assaults have caused serious damage, widespread destruction, and the tragic loss of civilian lives and property.
The Tigray DRMC strongly condemns any attack that endangers humanitarian personnel, commodities, civilians, or life‑saving supplies during this critical time. Humanitarian operations must be protected, and personnel must be allowed to work safely, impartially, and without interference.
This tragedy comes at a time when Tigray faces compounded crises: the aftermath of war, widespread displacement affecting millions, economic disruption, restrictions on fuel and cash, and severe constraints on essential services. Communities are further burdened by drought linked to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which has severely affected more than 37 woredas and 308 kebeles. The impacts on food security, agriculture, water, health, nutrition, social protection, and livelihoods have created urgent demand for multi‑sectoral emergency responses.
Attacks on trucks transporting humanitarian food assistance risk deepening suffering, undermining relief operations, and eroding the confidence and safety of humanitarian partners. At this critical moment, solidarity and collective responsibility are essential.
The Tigray DRMC calls upon humanitarian partners, government authorities, donors, international organisations, and the people of Tigray to:
- Condemn attacks on humanitarian operations.
- Ensure protection of personnel, humanitarian commodities, supplies, and civilians.
- Safeguard delivery of uninterrupted life‑saving assistance to vulnerable communities in urgent need across the region.
We urge humanitarian actors not to allow this incident to weaken their commitment to humanitarian principles or prevent them from reaching those in urgent need. While safety and security remain paramount, communities must continue receiving support to survive and recover.
The people of Tigray face immense humanitarian challenges. Now more than ever, humanity, impartiality, and solidarity must guide collective action. On behalf of the government and people of Tigray, the Tigray DRMC extends its appreciation to all humanitarian partners who continue to support vulnerable communities under extremely difficult circumstances.
*Sincerely*
Tigray Disaster Risk Management Commission (TDRMC)
20 September 2026
