Ethiopia Amhara 'coup ringleader killed'

The suspected ringleader of Saturday’s failed coup in Ethiopia has been reportedly shot dead by police, state media has reported. 

Breig-Gen Asaminew Tsige was killed on the outskirts of Amhara’s capital, Bahir Dar the reports added. Ethiopia’s army chief Gen Seare Mekoonen was killed while trying to foil the coup, the government has said. 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Ethiopians to unite against “evil” forces set on dividing the country. Flags have been flying at half-mast after he declared a day of mourning to make the deaths of loyalists. 

Gen Seare and Amhara Govenor Ambachew Mekonnen, who was also killed on Saturday were seen as close allies of the Prime Minister. 

A heavy contingent of pro-government forces have been deployed in Bahir Dar and the federal capital, Addis Ababa. 

The internet has been reportedly shut across the country, days after services resumed following an unexplained blackout of more than a week. 

Mr Abiy survived a grenade attack at a rally a year ago on sunday, which killed two people and left more than 100 injured.