Ethiopia dismisses reports of air force pilots’ defection to Kenya
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January 5, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Ethiopian government on Monday
dismissed reports circulated by opposition media alleging that four
Air Force pilots have deserted to neighbouring Kenya.
The Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) on Thursday alleged that
four military Air force pilots have flown from an airbase in
Ethiopia’s eastern Dire Dawa city to defect to Kenya.
Following the alleged defection, ESAT’s report added “a number of
pilots have been taken away by security and intelligence agents who
swarmed the base confiscating mobile communication devices from
selected members of the Air Force”.
However government officials have downplayed the report as fabricated.
“No Air force pilot has defected to Kenya. It is an absolute lie” a
military official who is not authorized to speak to media told Sudan
Tribune on condition of anonymity.
“Such fabricated reports are parts of ESAT’s smear campaign aimed to
tarnish image of the country and reputation of the Air force” the
official added.
Two weeks ago, an Ethiopian senior Air Force pilot defected to
neighbouring Eritrea along with the two trainees and MI 35 fighter
helicopter during a training session.
The Ethiopian ministry of Defence then said the senior trainer pilot
forced the copilot and the technician to land the helicopter in
Eritrea by diverting their flight.
In 2014, some 11 Ethiopian Air Force pilots have reportedly defected
to arch rival Eritrea.
(ST)
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