The Ethiopian military has never lost control of Lalibela, the town famous for its rock churches. Deputy prime minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassan who visited Sunday appeared to rubbish reports that the town was being controlled by the Tigrayan rebels. Control of the town has changed hands several times during the conflict with rebellious forces from northern Tigray province. Last Sunday, residents reported that the Tigrayans had retaken the town after the military and its allies withdrew. The year-long conflict between Tigray’s leaders and the central government has killed thousands of civilians, drawn in forces from around Ethiopia and spilled into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions after Tigrayan forces invaded them.

Source: Ethiopian News December 19, 2021 20:37 UTC