Israeli tourists rescued amid renewed fighting in Tigray, Ethiopia, FM says

Forty-five Israeli tourists stranded in Ethiopia's Tigray region amid renewed fighting were rescued in a coordinated operation involving military helicopters and overland escorts, the Foreign Ministry said. The group was split into two: about 20 reached a safe city overland with Ethiopian military escort, and about 25, including elderly travelers, were evacuated by helicopter. The rescue was delayed due to escalating security concerns. The operation was led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Ministry, and the embassy, working with Ethiopian authorities.

Forty-five Israeli tourists stranded in a combat zone in Ethiopia's Tigray region were rescued in a coordinated operation involving military helicopters and overland escorts, the Foreign Ministry and Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa announced. The group was split into two: about 20 reached a safe city overland, accompanied by the Ethiopian military in coordination with Israeli authorities; the second group, about 25 including elderly travelers, was evacuated by helicopter. The rescue was delayed due to escalating security concerns. The operation was led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, the Foreign Ministry, and the embassy, working with Ethiopian authorities and other parties. The current flare-up is the most severe since the Tigray war ended in 2022. Tigrayan forces have taken control of airports, civilian flights were canceled, communications networks were cut, and drone use was reported. Seven armed groups have united against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, while Addis Ababa accuses neighboring Eritrea of aiding its opponents.