ETHIOPIA SAYS TO TAKE CONTROL OF AIRPORTS, GOVT INSTALLATIONS IN COUNTRY’S NORTH

Ethiopia aims to take control of airports and other critical infrastructure in the north of country, in response to attacks by the Tigray regional forces, the government said on Monday.

The Ethiopian government and its allies have been fighting Tigray forces on and off since late 2020. The latest flare-up began in August after several months of ceasefire, with each side blaming the other for resuming violence.

“It is … imperative that the government of Ethiopia assumes immediate control of all airports, other federal facilities, and installations in the region,” the government communication service said in a statement.

“This is necessary to protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in particular as it relates to its airspace,” it said.

The statement added that while pursuing these objectives, the government was committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through African Union-led peace talks.

Source: National News Agency