The Ethiopian Ministry of Defense has denied social media reports alleging that a helicopter crashed in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, calling the claims “false and misleading.”
In a statement released on November 17, 2024, the Ministry clarified that the Western Air Command in Bahir Dar had been conducting routine air force training on November 16, which necessitated a temporary halt to regular civilian flights. These training exercises were part of scheduled operations aimed at maintaining the readiness of the Ethiopian Air Force.
The Ministry explained that these exercises led to rumors circulating on social media about a helicopter accident. However, it firmly rejected the speculation, stating that “no helicopter has been involved in any crash or damage during the training.”
According to the statement, the air force training exercises concluded without incident, and all planned operations have resumed. Civilian flights in the area are back to their regular schedules.
The Ministry issued this statement in response to rumors suggesting that a military helicopter of the Ethiopian Air Force had crashed at Belay Zeleke International Airport in Bahir Dar. Refuting the claims, the Ministry remarked, “There has been no crash, only a distorted portrayal by those who aim to undermine the truth and capabilities of our forces.”
The Amhara region has been embroiled in an ongoing conflict, with government forces clashing with local militias, particularly the Fano, for the past 14 months. The conflict escalated in October 2024 following a joint declaration by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Amhara regional government to continue their “law enforcement operations” until peace is fully restored.