Thursday, April 23, 2015

Ethiopia Mourns Victims of Islamic State Massacre in Libya
TVC News

Ethiopia is flying its national flags at half-mast to honor 30 of its citizens killed by Islamic State jihadists in Libya.

Thousands of people converged on Meakle Square in the capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday strongly protesting the killings, as well as showing their condolences to families of the victims.

A 29-minute video released online Sunday, reportedly made by IS, showed around 12 men being killed on a beach, and around 16 people being shot in the head in a desert area.

Ethiopia has confirmed many of the Christians shown being shot and killed in the video were its citizens. Militants claimed the victims were killed in Libya.

"I can't express my feelings with words. They will be judged by God. They killed my little brother and many more of our countrymen. I don't know what to say because I'm so sad right now. I also want to thank the people who helped us at this most difficult time," said a relative of the victim at the memorial ceremony.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn addressed the crowds saying that the country will fight against terrorism with whatever it takes.

"Terrorist acts, whether committed by IS or Al-Shabaab, should be repelled by all peace loving people and governments. Our country will use all its potential to participate in all activities and fights to halt these barbaric acts," Desalegn said.

The video has triggered fury among Ethiopians who said that the slaughter of more than 30 innocent people cannot go unanswered.

"We have to fight. We have to head to Libya. It's not far away and we will avenge the blood of our brothers. As one of the strong military states in east Africa, Ethiopia should take measures to stop these horrendous inhuman acts and they should be punished by our government," said a participant at the memorial ceremony.

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