Attempted coup thwarted in Ethiopia

World Sunday 23/June/2019 13:58 PM
By: Times News Service
Attempted coup thwarted in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa: An attempted coup was thwarted in Ethiopia on Saturday, the office of the country's prime minister announced.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the office stated the coup attempt occurred in the Amhara region. During the attack, the president of the region's government Dr Amachew Mekonnen and the regional government's adviser were killed after sustaining gunshot injuries. The regional attorney general sustained heavy injures and is undergoing medical treatment.

The Prime Minister's office stated that the attempted coup was orchestrated by Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, who was serving as the s head of the regional government's Peace and Security Bureau, in collaboration with other individuals. Most of those involved have been arrested. The release noted that Tsige had been granted an amnesty and was released from prison last year.

The office added that the situation was under the full control of the federal government and encouraged all citizens to be guardians of peace.

Additionally, the release noted that the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, General Seare Meonnen alongside retired Major General Gezai Abera, were also killed in an attack in Addis Abbarelated to the coup attempt. The attack was carried out by a bodyguard of General Seare who has since been arrested.