Ethiopian Air Force Helicopter Crashes in Bahir Dar, Amhara region

File Photo ( RamHari Neupane - Anadolu Agency )

NAIROBI, Kenya - A military helicopter from the Ethiopian Air Force crashed on Saturday at Bahir Dar's Belay Zeleke International Airport, media reports confirmed, though specifics on who was aboard remain unconfirmed.

The crash reportedly happened at noon in Bahir Dar, the administrative center of the Amhara region. According to an airport employee speaking to Meseret Media, the incident occurred, but no additional information was forthcoming.

As yet, there are no reports on casualties or the reasons behind the crash. Consequently, all air traffic, including Ethiopian Airlines flights, to and from Bahir Dar has been grounded.

The government has refrained from making any official comments on the event. Just prior to this incident, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Ethiopia's defense chief, had been in Bahir Dar, meeting with local defense officials, and was pictured receiving a traditional ceremonial robe in state media.

In an enigmatic statement picked up by Ethio News, Asres Mare Damte of the Fano forces in Gojjam remarked, "A miracle occurs before the vestment even leaves Berhanu Jula’s shoulder," leaving the interpretation of his words open to speculation.

Local sources have noted an increased presence of military helicopters in the area in the days leading up to the crash. Beginning in August 2023, conflict returned to the Amhara region in the form of a violent anti-government insurgency led by Fano militias.

GAROWE ONLINE