APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) At least three people were killed in a shootout between rebels and police officers on Friday in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
According to a statement released by the federal police commission, two of the rebels were killed, and one was captured. A bystander also was killed during the gun battle, and two police officers were injured.
The violence occurred near Millenium Hall in Addis Ababa’s downtown as officers tried to apprehend three fighters from a militia known as Fano. The fighters were “on a mission to carry out a terrorist attack,” a police statement said.
Eyewitnesses told APA that Nahusenay Andarge , a prominent Fano leader killed himself after he, along with his friends, had killed four police officers and injured four others.
The Fano members who the government called them the extremists were asked to surrender but refused to do so, according to the police statement.
There are conflicting reports about how and under what circumstances the Fano leader was killed in the heart of Addis Ababa.
Initially, Addis Ababa police shared an update on its social media page regarding the incident. What it said was that it had information about “extremists” planning to carry out “terror attacks.”
Furthermore, it said that the police made a move to arrest the “terrorists before they carry out their terrorist activity on Maizia 4 [April 12] in Bole Sub-City Woreda 3 near Millennium Hall.”
Police went on to say that the “extremists” refused to surrender and opened fire using a Suzuki Vehicle with plate number 2C 14373 Addis Ababa.
The result was, according to the police account, Nahusenay was wounded and taken to hospital where he died, and Abenezer Gashaw was killed during the shoot-out. Habtamu Andarge was captured without any injury.
On the part of police two officers – Sajin Ararsa Teshome and Mathias Petros were wounded. Another individual who is identified as Endashaw Getnet was also killed. Police said the “extremists” were trying to force him to give them a ride.
MG/as/APA