ADDIS ABABA, Dec 19 (Reuters) - The Ethiopian military is again in control of the town of Lalibela, famed for its rock churches, state media reported on Sunday, showing pictures of the deputy prime minister visiting the site. It was unclear when government forces recaptured the town, which has spiritual significance for millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and has changed hands several times during a conflict with rebellious forces from northern Tigray province. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterLast Sunday, residents reported that the Tigrayans had retaken the town after the military and its allies withdrew. It has also forced 400,000 people into famine in Tigray, with more than 9.4 million people across northern Ethiopia now dependent on food aid, according to the United Nations. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Addis Ababa newsroom; Editing by Andrew CawthorneOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Source: Ethiopian News December 19, 2021 18:58 UTC