A statement by Ned Price, the US state department’s spokesman, called the attacks an "horrific act", adding that continued reports of such violence "underscore urgency of ending the ongoing armed conflict in Ethiopia".

Survivors who spoke to the BBC said the attacks in several villages in Gimbi district were carried out by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) - an armed group operating in the area - and had targeted members of the Amhara ethnic community.

The OLA denied the accusations.

While no official death toll has been provided, survivors indicate it could be as high as 250.

The attacks came in the backdrop of ongoing fighting between government forces and the OLA.

While Ethiopian's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his administration’s priority was "ensuring peace and security" in the wake of the attacks, it is not clear if he has taken concrete measures to that end.