By: Zamzam Mohamed

Boosaaso, — Early Sunday morning, the Djiboutian government carried out an airstrike against the Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUDA), an alleged terrorist group operating near the Ethiopian border. The operation took place in the Addorta area, about 6 kilometers from the border, resulting in the deaths of eight militants.

According to the Ministry of Defense of Djibouti, the strike aimed at neutralizing threats to the nation’s security posed by the group within Djibouti’s borders. The ministry’s press release emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining national security and stability.

Alexis Mohamed, a senior advisor in the office of President Ismael Omar Guelleh, told AFP, “The group targeted in the attack were members of FRUDA, which we recognize as a terrorist organization. The attack was necessary to counter the threats posed by this group, which had been threatening Djibouti’s forward bases.”

The statement from the ministry also acknowledged the unfortunate injuries sustained by Djiboutian civilians during the airstrike. Further details on the extent of the civilian injuries were not provided.

Djibouti, a key player in the Horn of Africa, is located strategically near the Bab El Mandeb Strait—one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The presence of foreign military bases from countries such as the United States and China underlines Djibouti’s pivotal geopolitical significance.