Probe into killing of German tourist underway: Ethiopian gov't

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government on Wednesday announced that investigations are underway into the killing of a German tourist in northern Ethiopia.

The German tourist was killed and an Ethiopian tour guide was injured following an open fire from unidentified gunmen on Sunday in Ethiopia's famous attraction, the Erta Ale active volcanic site, in northwestern part of the east African country.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Wednesday pledged to "disclose the identities of those who have committed the offense," once the ongoing investigation into the attack is finalized.

The ministry also expressed condolences over the "irresponsible attack."

"Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of its government and people, has expressed its profound sadness over the attack on Ethiopian and German Tourists who were on a tour to one of the tourist attractions in Afdera, Afar Regional State," the ministry said.

Identities of the deceased German national and the wounded Ethiopian tour guide have not yet been identified.

Ethiopia's state news agency, ENA, reported late on Tuesday that the attack was carried out by anti-peace forces.

Similar attacks targeting foreign tourists occurred in the area back in 2007, claiming the lives of five European tourists. Enditem