The US Department of State: Consular Affairs through the Us Embassy in Ethiopia had warned US citizens from travelling in or out of Bole International Airport today, March 10.
US cited security concerns around Meskel Square following planned protests on the material day.
However, it seems there could be more than meets the eye as to why the embassy warned its citizens not to travel in/out of the airport where the Boeing 737 took off from and lost contact just six minutes after departure.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of calls for a protest to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Meskel Square. It is unknown whether the protest has been or will be approved by Ethiopian authorities. Protests have already occurred in many parts of the Oromia region since March 6, and additional protests may materialize.
“U.S. Embassy personnel are advised to avoid Meskel Square and limit movement around Addis Ababa on Sunday, March 10. U.S. Government travelers have been advised not to arrive or depart Bole International Airport on Sunday, March 10, and U.S. Embassy personnel are also temporarily prohibited from traveling to Oromia,” said the US government.
Today, the plane #ET302 is said to have dropped from the radar six minutes after departure from Addis Ababa and crashed with 157 on board.
Read: Ethiopian Airline Headed For Nairobi Crashes
Everyone on board Ethiopian Airlines jet died in crash, with victims reported to be from 33 nationalities.
Several prominent personalities have send their condolences including the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, AU envoy Raila Odinga and Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz.
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We are saddened by the news of an Ethiopian Airlines passenger aircraft that is reported to have crashed 6 minutes after takeoff en route to Kenya. My prayers go to all the families and associates of those on board.
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My deeply felt condolences to the people of Ethiopia following the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines plane. My prayers are with the families and relatives of victims.
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On behalf of @KenyaAirways, we would like to send a message of condolences to all the families of those that have lost their loved ones on flight ET302. To our friends in @flyethiopian: you can count on our full support in this very difficult moment.
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