Ethiopia/Eritrea: UN mission investigates shooting in security zone

The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) today said it was investigating a recent shooting incident that occurred at a checkpoint within the Temporary Security Zone separating the two countries.

In a statement, the UN peacekeeping operation said the shooting took place on 5 September at Limosin Waterpoint near Assab-Bure road in the eastern part of the zone. An Eritrean policeman was shot in the leg and taken to a hospital by an UNMEE ambulance. The Eritrean police said he was one of four people attacked at an observation post established by Asmara.

The Eritrean authorities have attributed the shooting to the Ethiopian Armed Forces. Ongoing investigations by UNMEE have not yet identified the attackers.

A previous shooting incident at the Limosin Waterpoint was reported on the night of 16 to 17 June. That attack, in which an Eritrean militiaman was killed, was also attributed by Eritrea to the Ethiopian Armed Forces. However, a thorough investigation by UNMEE was unable to identify the attackers. Ethiopia denies any involvement, the UN Mission said.