Ethiopia foils planned attack on Epiphany celebration

Addis Ababa, January 18, 2020 (FBC) –The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) said a planned attack on Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket) celebration was foiled.

Ethiopia celebrates Timket on January 20, this year.

Two groups of destructive forces were arrested while they were plotting to carry out attacks during Timket celebration in the city of Gondar, Amhara regional state,  said NISS in a statement sent to FBC yesterday.

Members of the groups were planning to carry out the attack using explosives. Four hand grenades and 200 bullets were seized, the statement noted.

They were arrested by the joint operation of NISS, the National Defence army and the regional state’s security force, in partnership with the community.

Architects of the planned attacks will be announced in the future, said the statement.

Timket is a colourful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival. The eve is known as Ketera, which means blocking the flow of water for the blessing of the celebrants.