At least 5 000 Ethiopians have fled to Kenya from the border town of Moyale after several civilians were killed in what the Ethiopian military stated was a botched security operation targeting militants.
The Ethiopian Government explained that the military mistook the civilians in Moyale for members of the banned Oromo Liberation Front, nine people were killed and 12 others sustained injuries.
The Kenyan Red Cross confirmed that approximately 5000 members of Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, the Oromo, fled the town to neighbouring Kenya.
In a statement, the Red Cross Society stated: "The population of refugees from Ethiopia continues to increase and is now estimated at 5,000."
[caption caption="Ethiopian Refugees at Dadaab Camp (Facebook)"]
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Speaking to Bloomberg, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali's spokesman indicated that the Refugees were within the Kenyan territory.
"There have been gunshots, there are killings. Refugees are spread in schools, churches, mosques, private residences and three camps," he stated.
Secretary-General of the Kenya Red Cross Abba Gullet has also pointed out that those fleeing the violence were being housed by relatives or friends in Kenya.
"Currently, the refugee status of these individuals is yet to be determined. Once this determination is made, then hopefully there can be a proper setting of camps if need be," Gullet stated.
Eastern Regional Police Commander also weighed on the matter stating that the law enforcement has heightened security in the area.
"We have deployed more police officers to ensure law and order is maintained and also ensure their safety," he conveyed.
[caption caption="Abbas Gullet (Twitter)"]
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