Al-Qallabat Crossing Closed After Rebels Seize the Ethiopian Side
Sudan Events – Agencies
Sudanese military sources reported that Sudanese authorities closed the Al-Qallabat border crossing with Ethiopia on Monday after the rebel Fano militias in the Amhara region took control of the crossing on the Ethiopian side.
Sudanese sources told “Sudan Tribune” that the authorities in Gedaref state, eastern Sudan, closed the Al-Qallabat border crossing, halting cross-border trade between Sudan and Ethiopia, as well as suspending travel and passport procedures.
The same sources indicated that the Sudanese authorities allowed Ethiopian federal police and army personnel stationed at the crossing to enter Sudanese territory after disarming them. Meanwhile, the Fano militias allowed Sudanese citizens stranded within the borders to travel and leave.
The Fano militias in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, adjacent to Gedaref state, took control of the Metemma Yohannes area on the Ethiopian side, near the Sudanese city of Al-Qallabat in Basanda locality, Gedaref state.
Informed sources stated, “The Fano militias have indeed taken control of Metemma, Ethiopia, and the border crossing linking it with Sudan, under military arrangements to cut off supplies of food and fuel coming from Sudan to the Amhara region, aiming to strengthen military control and declare Fano’s full control over the Amhara region.”
According to the sources, several Ethiopian residents and traders in Metemma expressed solidarity with Fano to facilitate the takeover of Metemma and the crossing, while the Ethiopian army is stationed in Shehidi district, maintaining control over the area.
