Lalibela is home to famous 13th Century churches that are registered as Unesco world heritage sites.
By Kalkidan Yibeltal & Danai Nesta KupembaFighting has erupted in the historic Ethiopian town of Lalibela, as government forces and local militia have clashed, residents told the BBC.Fano, a militia in the surrounding Amhara region, has been battling the armyGovernment spokesperson Legesse Tulu has disputed reports of violence in the city, according to Reuters news agency.
The Amhara region around Lalibela has been a battleground between the Fano militia and the military for several months. This allowed the government to regain control of major towns and cities including Lalibela which had been seized by Fano. Tension then arose between Fano and federal authorities when the government attempted to integrate the group into the military.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fighting erupts in Ethiopia's Lalibela, residents say, as Amhara remains volatileFighting erupts in Ethiopia's Lalibela, residents say, as Amhara remains volatile
Read more »
Fighting erupts in Ethiopia’s Lalibela: ResidentsIt is not the first time the UNESCO World Heritage site has been caught up in clashes in the Amhara region.
Read more »
Clashes in Ethiopia's Amhara region raise concern for historic churchesFresh fighting between the Ethiopian army and a local militia in the northern Amhara region has raised concerns among residents for the safety of historic rock-hewn churches in the holy town of Lalibela.
Read more »
Ethiopia plans vote to solve Tigray-Amhara territory disputeThe row threatens to disrupt the fragile peace following the end of the civil war a year ago.
Read more »
Ethiopia Govt Wants Referendum on Amhara, Tigray DisputesEthiopia's government announced plans to resolve the territorial dispute between the Amhara and Tigray regions through a referendum, BBC reports.
Read more »
Residents report gunfire in Ethiopian holy city, but govt says all peacefulFighting broke out on Wednesday between the army and a regional militia in Ethiopia's mediaeval holy city of Lalibela, a World Heritage site, four residents told Reuters, but the government said the area was peaceful.
Read more »