Flight Operations at Lalibela Airport Suspended as Armed Groups Approach
Flight operations at Lalibela airport in Ethiopia have been suspended as opposition armed groups approach the airport.
Lalibela international airport is situated in North Wollo zone of the Amhara region. Since Tuesday, heavy clashes have been ongoing between government forces and opposition Tibibir alliance forces in North Wollo, North Afar and Wag Himora zones.
This morning Ethiopian Airline Flight ET122 did not arrive at the Lalibela airport. The flight was scheduled to leave Gondar airport and arrive at Lalibela airport at 10:25 a.m.
According to local sources, since this morning heavy fighting has been ongoing between Fano fighters and government forces around China Camp and Shinberma areas which are located in the vicinity of Lalibela airport. Reportedly in North Wollo and Wag Himora areas of the Amhara region, Amhara Fano and Tigray fighters are carrying out joint attacks on security forces.
Interestingly, in 2023 when Fano militias took up arms against security forces in the Amhara region, they stormed Lalibela airport twice. The airport serves as a key supply hub for Ethiopian military operating in the Wag Himora and North Wollo zones.
On Tuesday night, Tigray fighters took control of Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports in the Tigray region. Federal officials deployed at the airports were detained by Tigray regional forces.
Ethiopian warring parties are back to war. They fought a deadly war earlier (2020-2022). During the previous war, Fano and Tigray forces were rivals. Now the are jointly attacking federal security forces.
