Two Eritrean pilots 'defect' to Ethiopia

Eyewitness reports trainer jet being escorted from runway at northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle

By Seleshi Tessema and Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – Two Eritrean Air Force pilots defected with a light trainer jet they landed in Ethiopia, informed sources who asked for anonymity told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.

It is not clear whether the defectors -- who made the apparent move on Wednesday -- have asked political asylum.

"The two pilots asked for landing permission before being escorted by Ethiopian fighter jets," the source said.

An eyewitness in the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle told Anadolu Agency he saw a light aircraft being escorted to a runway at the city’s air base.

Ethiopia and Eritrea are in a no-war, no-peace situation since a 1998-2000 conflict. Eritrea separated from Ethiopia in 1993.

Since 2012, several Eritrean Air Force Pilots have defected to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, including Kenya.

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