Ethiopia’s state-appointed human rights commission says troops killed at least 45 civilians in the Amhara town of Merawi following clashes with a local militia in January.
Another national rights body put the death toll at over 80.
The Human Rights Commission said it had identified at least 45 civilian deaths, although the number was most likely higher as it couldn’t investigate fully.
The commission said victims had been targeted for allegedly supporting an ethnic Amhara militia.
Eyewitnesses said they’d seen people shot dead on the streets as soldiers fought rebels in the town of Merawi.
The government has not yet commented.
Human rights groups have expressed concerns about a state of emergency in Amhara which has given the security forces increased powers.
Source: BBC
