Fighting Nears UNESCO Site Lalibela, Flights Suspended

Ethiopian government forces deployed heavy weapons against Fano positions near the holy town of Lalibela in Amhara's North Wollo zone as fighting expanded from the Sep 23 offensive. Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to and from Lalibela's airport on Sep 24, 2026, and the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa said it was aware of reports of active fighting near the UNESCO World Heritage site. Fighting was reported around the town rather than inside it.