Ethiopian Military Chopper Goes Down in Bahir Dar, Amhara

NAIROBI, Kenya – This past Saturday, a helicopter belonging to Ethiopia’s Air Force took a nosedive at Belay Zeleke International Airport located in Bahir Dar. Details on who was on board are sparse, as per media reports.

The mishap happened around noon in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region. An airport worker, in a chat with Meseret Media, acknowledged the incident occurred but couldn’t spill any more beans.

There are zero updates on what caused the crash or who, if anyone, was harmed. In the wake of the crash, flights, including those operated by Ethiopian Airlines, are grounded for now.

The government has played its cards close to the chest, declining to release an official statement. Not long before the chopper hit the dust, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Ethiopia’s head honcho of defense, was seen in Bahir Dar, hobnobbing with the local defense folks—a state bulletin showed him receiving a traditional robe.

In an intriguing twist, Asres Mare Damte from the Fano forces in Gojjam uttered a cryptic note, as reported by Ethio News, “A marvel arises even before the garment departs Berhanu Jula’s shoulder,” inviting many to decipher its meaning.

Reports from locals indicate that military helicopters have been buzzing around more than usual lately. Since August 2023, Amhara has been troubled by a fierce anti-gov movement spearheaded by Fano militia groups.

AXADLETM