U.S. Advises Citizens to Evacuate 3 Regions in Ethiopia as Fighting Escalates

U.S. Advises Citizens to Evacuate 3 Regions in Ethiopia as Fighting Escalates

The United States has advised its citizens in three Ethiopian regions to leave if it is safe to do so or shelter in place as reports of renewed fighting raise concerns over deteriorating security conditions.

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued the security alert on Friday, September 25, specifically warning Americans against travelling to the Amhara, Tigray and Afar regions.

The advisory followed reports of active fighting near Lalibela in Amhara Region. The embassy also said travel disruptions and communications problems were affecting some areas.

“U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the Amhara Region (including Lalibela), the Tigray Region, or the Afar Region for any reason. U.S. citizens in those areas are advised to leave if it is safe to do so or shelter in place until conditions improve.”

The embassy said Americans already in the affected regions should monitor local media and remain in contact with airlines for information about possible changes to flight schedules.

They were also encouraged to prepare plans for departure, avoid large gatherings and review their personal security arrangements as the situation develops.

The alert came after reports of disruptions at Lalibela Airport. Ethiopian Airlines reportedly suspended flights to and from the airport, although the U.S. Embassy said it did not have information on when services would resume.

Communications have also been affected. The embassy reported disruptions to internet and telephone services in parts of the Tigray Region, potentially making it more difficult for residents and travellers to communicate during the security crisis.

The developments have raised fresh concerns about the stability of northern Ethiopia, several years after the country’s devastating Tigray conflict.

Canada also expressed concern over the latest violence, particularly reports involving Mekelle airport and telecommunications disruptions. Canadian authorities have called for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.

The latest escalation follows reports of renewed tensions involving the Ethiopian government and forces linked to the Tigray conflict.

The situation is particularly sensitive in Tigray, where a 2022 cessation-of-hostilities agreement helped bring an earlier phase of the conflict to an end. The agreement significantly reduced large-scale fighting, but political and security tensions have continued.

The latest developments have also affected transport and communication infrastructure, with reports of airport disruptions adding to concerns about movement in the affected regions.

For Americans in the three regions, the U.S. Embassy has advised against unnecessary movement and urged them to make decisions based on the latest security information.

The embassy’s warning does not specifically call for a nationwide evacuation from Ethiopia. Instead, it targets the Amhara, Tigray and Afar regions and advises citizens already there to leave where safe or remain sheltered until conditions improve.

The U.S. government has also reminded its citizens that security conditions can change rapidly, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.

Meanwhile, Canada’s current travel guidance advises against non-essential travel to Ethiopia, with regional warnings applying to areas facing heightened security concerns.

The developments are being closely monitored as diplomatic and humanitarian concerns grow over the potential impact of renewed fighting on civilians, transport networks and essential services.

For now, authorities continue to urge people in affected areas to follow security instructions, monitor reliable local information and avoid areas where fighting or large gatherings are reported.

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U.S. Advises Citizens to Evacuate 3 Regions in Ethiopia as Fighting Escalates