Thursday, March 11, 1999, 7:40 pm local time
from Ethiopian Gov't Spokesperson Website: http://www.ethiospokes.net/

On 26 February 1999, the Ethiopian defense forces liberated Badme in the successful military counter-offensive named Operation  Sunset. Ethiopian sovereign territory was restored despite a vow by President Issaias that the withdrawal of Eritrean forces was as unlikely as the sun never rising again.

      Ethiopian solidiers celebrate victory as the
flag of Ethiopia flies over Badme town.

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Following the Eritrean invasion of May 1998 and the subsequent occupation, sacrosanct property--such as these handwritten historical bibles--were looted from eight local churches.

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