Satellite images reveal ‘UAE supplying Ethiopian Government with Arms

Satellite imagery obtained by Al Jazeera reveals that the United Arab Emirates is providing extensive military support to the Ethiopian government in the fight against Tigrayan forces in the year-long civil war which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and displaced millions…

The investigation monitored air bases in the UAE and Ethiopia and found evidence of more than 90 flights between Sweihan Base, Abu Dhabi and Harar Meda Base, south of Ethiopia’s capital Addis Abab,  between September and October 2021. In many instances, the precise origins and destinations of these flights have been deliberately concealed or disguised on official flight records.

The air-bridge between the UAE and Ethiopia has operated with the assistance of two additional private shipping firms: a Spanish company which organised more than 50 “military support” flights between the countries, and a Ukrainian company which organised more than 30, according to Al Jazeera.

UAE-Ethiopia relations

The extent of this military support remains unclear, as questions remain over whether weapons and equipment are coming directly from the UAE, or whether it is simply a transit point for deliveries from elsewhere.

Earlier this month, the UAE-based Emirates Red Crescent donated ambulances, food, and medical supplies to Ethiopia, including in areas controlled by the Tigray. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed has sought to position himself as a somewhat of a mediator, or peacemaker, in horn of Africa. However, the new revelations indicate strong UAE support for Addis Ababa in their war against Tigrayan forces and shed serious doubt on any supposed neutrality in the region’s politics.

Chinese drones

In one of the new images of an Ethiopian military base, there appears to be an aircraft matching the dimensions of a Chinese manufactured Wing Loong drone. In early November, photos published online allegedly taken in the Tigray province also showed a Wing Loong drone, however the location and source of the photos could not be verified at the time.

Abiy made the statement in a broadcast by Fana Broadcasting on Friday in which the premier was wearing military fatigues and speaking to a local television station in the Afaan Oromo and Amharic languages from the front lines.

“What you see over there is a mountain that was captured by the enemy until yesterday. Now we have been able to fully capture it,” Abiy said, wearing a hat and sunglasses, “The morale of the army is very exciting,” he added, promising to capture the town of Chifra, on the border between Tigray and Afar, “today. “We won’t flinch backward ‘til we bury the enemy and ensure Ethiopia’s freedom. What we need to see is an Ethiopia that stands by itself, and we will die for it,” Abiy said.