ADDIS ABABA ( Halbeeg News) – Ethiopia’s army chief, General Seare Mekonnen and Amhara state president, Ambachew Mekonnen were killed in a botched military coup in the country on Saturday evening.
Mekonnen adviser, Ezez Wasie was also among the victims after they were attacked in their offices on Saturday, state media reported, without saying who was responsible.
The Ethiopian prime minister confirmed the news saying the officials were killed while thwarting the attempted coup in Amhara, a federal state north of the capital Addis Ababa.
Speaking on state television late on Saturday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said was one of several casualties, adding that: “He was shot by people who are close to him.” Referring to the army chief, Seare Mekonnen.
Brigadier General Tefera Mamo, the head of special forces in Amhara, told state television that “most of the people who attempted the coup have been arrested, although there are a few still at large.”
The US embassy issued alerts about reported gunfire in the capital, Addis Ababa, and violence around Bahir Dar.
Abiy Ahmed is facing stiff resistance from elements linked to the former regime who are opposed to his progressive approach and political change.
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