Fighting erupts in Ethiopia's Lalibela, residents say, as Amhara remains volatile
Heavy fighting erupted Wednesday in the historic Ethiopian town of Lalibela between federal government forces and a regional militia, local residents said.
"Fighting began this morning around 8:00, we can still hear gunfighting. It looks like Fano are in control of parts of the city. I can see small groups on the main road," a Lalibela church deacon told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Representatives of the federal government or the spokesman for the armed forces could not be reached for comment or did not immediately respond to messages from AFP.
He said that no fighting had taken place around Lalibela's rock-hewn mediaeval churches that draw tourists and pilgrims from across Ethiopia and the world.
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