Commander Dismisses Involvement of Air Force in Attacking OLF faction

Addis Ababa  January 16/2019 Ethiopian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Yilma Merdasa has dismissed the allegation spread by the social media that air support was given to attack the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) faction Shene in West Wollega.

The Air Force Commander told ENA that the government has shown patience in handling the security problem in West Oromia.

Though the government has started taking measures to ensure peace and security in the communities, Brigadier General Yilma noted that the information disseminated by the social media claiming that air support has been given by the air force is fake news. 

The situation in the locality does not as such require the use of fighter planes, he explained, adding that it does not go beyond skirmishes and engagements on the ground.  

Brigadier General Yilma stressed that the aim of this false information is fomented deliberately to smear the reputation of the army and the institution.

Moreover, the information about the downing of a fighter plane is baseless, the commander underscored.

He further called on the public to realize that there are forces, which want to disrupt peace in the country and fish from the crises, and shun such false information.

Brigadier General Yilma also said the mass media should not be misled by false information and fulfill their duties responsibly.