APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Federal forces have recaptured Lalibela town where the world heritage rock-hewn churches are located after the Fano militia forces withdrew from the town.
Residents of Lalibela confirmed to APA the retreat of the Amhara fighters.
According to the residents, casualties on the part of Ethiopian government troops were heavy.
The hospital in the town is said to be full of wounded soldiers. There were reported casualties on the part of Fano militias as well, but the number is unspecified.
Most parts of Lalibela town came under Fano forces on Wednesday following intense fighting that lasted for several hours.
Government soldiers also retained control over the airport, which is located a few kilometers outside of the town.
Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to and from Lalibela, and as of now, the flights have not resumed.
Fano forces have reportedly managed to set prisoners free from the prison facility in the town. The Ethiopian government has not made any remarks about the situation in Lalibela.
Residents have been expressing concern for the safety of the 12th-century rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, as government forces heavily relied on artillery shelling in the fight against Fano forces.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration declared a six-month-long state of emergency in August to intensify military operations against Fano forces in the Amhara region. Initially, the plan was to complete the operation within two weeks.
Four months after the operation, there is still military operation in the region. Reports from local sources indicate that Fano forces are fighting a tactical battle and have stretched government forces across the region. All zones in the region are experiencing fighting between Fano and Ethiopian government forces.
Human rights organisations have been reporting widespread rights abuses in the region by government soldiers, including extrajudicial killings and drone attacks targeting civilians.
MG/as/APA