An Amhara Fano group today claimed to have taken control of an airport in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The airport, called Lalibela International Airport, is situated in North Wollo zone of the Amhara region.
Since last year, a military operation has been underway in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The operation was launched to disarm and disband Fano groups. Fano groups are loosely organized militias operating across the Amhara region. They claim to be fighting for the protection of the interests of Amhara ethnic group members.
A Fano commander from Asaminew Tsige brigade, in an audio interview, claimed today that his fighters along with Wollo Fano group of commander Mihret Wodajo had taken control of Laliblea airport.
Last year, in August, Fano militia members stormed Lalibela airport. The flight operation was disrupted. However, within 12 hours, the Ethiopian military regained control of the airport.
So far, no visuals have been shared by Fano groups from the airport to substantiate their claim. According to locals of Lasta woreda, since Tuesday morning clashes have been ongoing between Fano fighters and security forces. “Sounds of gunshots were heard in the direction of airport,” said a resident of Lasta.
Ethiopian military has been claiming recently that Fano and Oromo Liberation Army fighters had lost the ability to carry out organized attacks due to successful military operations launched in the Amhara and Oromia regions.
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