Under fire, by helicopter: the dramatic rescue operation of Israelis in Ethiopia

A group of Israelis trapped in the city of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia due to a security escalation was rescued in an airborne operation after three days. The operation was led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Foreign Ministry officials, and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, in coordination with local authorities. The Israelis were transferred to a protected area and from there will continue to the capital.

A complex and extraordinary rescue operation was completed today (Wednesday) successfully in northern Ethiopia, after a group of Israelis found themselves in the midst of clashes and were trapped in the city of Lalibela. The Foreign Ministry announced that after three days of intense diplomatic efforts led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, ministry officials, and the Israeli Embassy in Addis Ababa, the Israelis were rescued by helicopters to a safe area, from where they are expected to continue their journey to the capital. The need for the urgent evacuation operation arose following a severe security escalation that erupted in the northern part of the country, which blocked land routes and left the group of Israelis isolated in Lalibela without the ability to extricate themselves. The airborne operation was carried out in two stages – yesterday and today – during which the group members were flown out of the danger zone to a protected compound. From there, they will make their way to the capital, Addis Ababa, under continuous escort by embassy and Foreign Ministry representatives. The Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation to the local authorities for their swift assistance. The city of Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's main tourist centers, is located in the Amhara region in the north of the country – an area that has experienced security instability and violent clashes in recent months.