TDF guerrillas claim to have shot down an Ethiopian C-130 – “All aboard dead” – VIDEO

Defence Redefined

Published on 24/06/2021 at 16:23

On June 23, the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) claimed that air defence units shot down a C-130 transport aircraft of the Ethiopian Air Force (ETAF).

The plane was reportedly shot down this morning near the town of Gijet in the southeastern Tigray region. Sources in Tigray published photos showing the wreckage of the aircraft in question.

Only two C-130 aircraft are known to be in ETAF service. The two aircraft were provided by the United States to enhance Ethiopia’s administrative capabilities.

Getachew Reda, an adviser to Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael, said the plane was carrying soldiers and ammunition. Everyone on board was killed.

The TDF is a coalition of local Tigray paramilitary organizations, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The coalition was formed last November in response to Ethiopia’s major offensive in the region.

If confirmed, the C-130 crash would be the third aircraft crash over the Tigray since the outbreak of war in the region. On November 29, an ETAF MiG-23 fighter jet was shot down by the TPLF. On April 20, the paramilitary group also shot down a Mi-35 helicopter.

Ethiopian government forces have been fighting the TDF coalition in Tigray for more than seven months. However, 40% of the region is still in the hands of the coalition. Thousands were killed and millions displaced as a result of the war. According to information, human rights violations were committed by both sides.

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