Ethiopia clashes drive 50,000 into Kenya, officials say

Clashes in southern Ethiopia have driven about 50,000 people across the border into Kenya since October 18, local authorities said, as fighting over the town of Moyale continues.

The fighting involves Ethiopian Somali and Oromo communities, which have been contesting control of Moyale. The town straddles the Kenyan border.

The UN refugee agency said at least 11,000 displaced people, mostly women and children, were sheltering in temporary sites, mainly schools. Others are staying with local communities.

Conflict monitor ACLED has reported several deaths in the clashes, but the exact toll remains unclear.

The Kenyan Red Cross said stray bullets had killed three people in Kenya and wounded 20 others.

People who fled described continued gunfire, burned homes and missing relatives. AFP journalists on the Kenyan side of the border heard heavy artillery fire on Monday.