Two Spanish nationals caught in gunfire in Ethiopia have been successfully evacuated, according to the Foreign Ministry. The operation marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to bring home travelers caught in the volatile security situation there.
In the wake of the reopening of Gondar airport, two Spanish tourists who were stranded in the city managed to reach the capital, Addis Ababa, arriving at 3:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. The journey back to safety is part of a broader, coordinated response described by the Embassy as they work with local authorities and the National Security Advisor to facilitate the eventual evacuation of the group remaining in the Amhara region.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the transfer will proceed as soon as security conditions permit, but they declined to share further specifics for security reasons. The situation continues to be monitored closely, with the safety of all evacuees kept as the top priority.
The clashes that began when official troops clashed with Fano militias in Lalibela over a week ago have had a wide-reaching impact on travel through the Amhara region. These confrontations led to the closure of airports and blockages on major roads, complicating efforts to depart for travelers in the area.
Kananga’s travel agency reported that 18 Spanish tourists were still in the region, with officials predicting a possible release by Friday. The agency conveyed this outlook in a brief message, noting that detailed information could not be provided immediately for security reasons but that an eviction was anticipated that day.
According to the agency, the evacuation plans are being handled with caution and continuous updates. They stressed that they cannot disclose further operational details for safety reasons, but reaffirmed that the plan is to move people out as soon as conditions permit. The agency emphasized its ongoing, minute-by-minute coordination with the displaced guides and ongoing contact with relatives and the Foreign Ministry, adding that a formal statement would be issued once the rescue is confirmed.
About 24 hours earlier, the security situation in the region forced the group to stay in a hotel for several days while awaiting calmer conditions. Yet, new developments later suggested that evacuation possibilities had improved again, signaling a potential movement in the near term.
The Spanish Embassy in Ethiopia continues to advise travelers who remain stranded to remain in Addis Ababa for now. State Department sources in the area have indicated that the roads are not yet safe for travel beyond the capital, reinforcing the cautious approach of the authorities.
Earlier on August 1, 18 Spanish travelers were en route through northern Ethiopia when armed clashes between the Ethiopian army and Fano militia erupted. In the midst of the fighting, the travelers sought refuge at a roadside lodging house in a village, from which they reported hearing the clashes in the vicinity and remaining in a precarious position until the situation could be assessed by officials and safety teams.