A senior Turkish government official confirmed on Friday that Türkiye authorized Ethiopia to use Turkish-made drones, which have been involved in several attacks that have caused numerous civilian casualties. The admission has sparked international concern and debate over the ethical implications of drone usage in conflict zones.
In January 2022, a targeted drone attack on a primary school in Ethiopia resulted in at least 59 civilian deaths. This strike exemplifies the devastating potential when the principle of distinction in international law is not observed. The principle of distinction mandates that operations must differentiate between military objectives and civilian objects, thereby prohibiting indiscriminate attacks.
The situation in Ethiopia presents a complex backdrop for the application of international humanitarian law. Civil unrest in the country fluctuates between non-international armed conflict and mere internal strife, complicating the enforcement of the rules governing the use of force. This makes it difficult to clearly discern between combatants and civilians in drone operations. Further insights into the challenges of applying international law to drone usage can be found here.
Türkiye has been a consistent supplier of Akinci drones to the Ethiopian military, with the most recent delivery occurring in January 2024. The Akinci drone is a capable high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft with autonomous navigation, takeoff, and landing capabilities. It can carry missiles and guided munitions, making it a formidable tool in armed conflict situations. More details on these drones can be found here.
The Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee recently met to discuss potential international repercussions stemming from the use of these drones, considering the substantial civilian casualties they have caused. The broader implications of this admission are likely to influence both international diplomacy and the global arms trade regulation landscape. Further information on this development is available here.