More than 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks on three areas around Ethiopia’s Oromia region. The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo said attackers burned 20 homes in the assault.
A local official said the rebel group Alliance for Survival was responsible. Security forces arrived to help the Christian communities but reportedly could not stop the attack.
The Ethiopia killings came days after three gunmen opened fire on an Orthodox church in Jordan, killing nine people and injuring 40 more. Witnesses said the attackers carried AK-style rifles and shouted “Allahu Akbar” as the shooting began.
These attacks show the cost of anti-Christian violence in places where believers can face death for their faith. Religious liberty is not only a legal principle. It is the right of families, churches and communities to worship God openly without fear of murder, intimidation or state neglect.
The Trump administration has previously responded to notable attacks on Christians with military action, including Christmas 2025 strikes on Islamic forces in Nigeria. The next test is whether national leaders will keep the persecution of Christians in view and act to protect those targeted for their faith.
