Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing. In Africa, Ethiopian federal troops' offensive against country's Tigray region is still underway. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she has 'never been more certain' of Scottish independence from UK. Read this and more in top 10 world news

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-embassies-on-alert-over-irans-retaliation-threats-after-fakhrizadehs-assassination-report-346090">Israeli embassies on alert over Iran's retaliation threats after Fakhrizadeh's assassination: Report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-embassies-on-alert-over-irans-retaliation-threats-after-fakhrizadehs-assassination-report-346090"><img alt="Iran Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe2aef45-1ad7-44a8-aab2-01419c9ae65f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_3.JPG" /></a> 
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, 59, was shot by assailants in his car near Absard city in Tehran and died in hospital as doctors failed to revive him.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-begin-offensive-on-tigray-with-heavy-shelling-346084">Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-forces-begin-offensive-on-tigray-with-heavy-shelling-346084"><img alt="Ethiopia Tigray" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fb845ea-8505-480b-a56f-42f66535419a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tigray.JPG" /></a> 
 
Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-calls-for-punishing-those-behind-scientists-killing-346076">Iran's Khamenei calls for 'punishing' those behind scientist's killing</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-calls-for-punishing-those-behind-scientists-killing-346076"><img alt="Khamenei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a6370ff-a6f4-41c1-9d5c-b2db5dd69a84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Khamenei.JPG" /></a> 
 
Iran's top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated on Friday

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-first-minister-says-she-has-never-been-more-certain-of-independence-from-uk-346097">Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-first-minister-says-she-has-never-been-more-certain-of-independence-from-uk-346097"><img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="933834b3-7311-4174-b5ac-5f981f93d162" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Scottish.JPG" /></a> 
The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-europe-crosses-400000-as-germany-mulls-extending-partial-lockdown-till-early-spring-346074">Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring</a>

<img alt="Europe coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="008d73ad-61ec-4a71-a2c8-3854bb81ffbc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Coronavirus.JPG" />

 
The Belgium government said it will reopen shops from December 1 including Luxembourg and the Netherlands

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-reviews-air-defence-troops-calls-joint-effort-to-develop-new-capabilities-346080">Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-reviews-air-defence-troops-calls-joint-effort-to-develop-new-capabilities-346080"><img alt="Japan Suga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0ab2ee5-8720-4983-9653-18d3c1a289c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Suga.JPG" /></a> 
The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106">Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106"><img alt="Bilawal Bhutto" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cdad22c-de33-4785-b6cb-431c6a4e6b23" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bilawal%20Bhutto.JPG" /></a> 
According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sri-lanka-maldives-agree-to-bolster-maritime-co-operation-346101">India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation</a>

<img alt="INDIA SRI LANKA MALDIVES" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="174b1e97-b2bc-4ef0-a941-bbf2de044003" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/india.JPG" /> 
 
The three countries discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-pilot-blood-test-that-may-detect-50-types-of-cancer-346057">UK to pilot blood test that may detect 50 types of cancer</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-pilot-blood-test-that-may-detect-50-types-of-cancer-346057"><img alt="Blood test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcbd7c6d-6d4c-4eba-b348-7ec46c62c55a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bLOOD.JPG" /></a> 
 
Results are expected by 2023, after which it is hoped one million people could receive the test by 2025.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-yum-to-go-viennas-hotel-sacher-establishes-drive-in-cake-centre-amid-pandemic-346054#cake-sale-346046">'A yum to-go': Vienna's Hotel Sacher establishes drive-in cake centre amid pandemic</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-yum-to-go-viennas-hotel-sacher-establishes-drive-in-cake-centre-amid-pandemic-346054#cake-sale-346046"><img alt="Vienna cake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d088a170-b649-41a7-a4d2-d5bb87e26581" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cake.JPG" /></a> 
A luxury hotel in Vienna, which is famous for serving delicious cakes and chocolates, have come up with an innovative way to serve their customers

Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing.

Israeli embassies are on alert after Iran's threat of retaliation over assassination of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has called for 'punishing' those behind the scientist's killing. In Africa, Ethiopian federal troops' offensive against country's Tigray region is still underway. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she has 'never been more certain' of Scottish independence from UK. Read this and more in top 10 world news Israeli embassies on alert over Iran's retaliation threats after Fakhrizadeh's assassination: Report Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, 59, was shot by assailants in his car near Absard city in Tehran and died in hospital as doctors failed to revive him. Ethiopian forces begin offensive on Tigray with heavy shelling Abiy who won Nobel Peace Prize last year had said earlier in the week that a "third and final phase" in his campaign against leaders of TPLF had begun Iran's Khamenei calls for 'punishing' those behind scientist's killing Iran's top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated on Friday Scotland First Minister says she has 'never been more certain' of independence from UK The head of Scotland's devolved government and the leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) told supporters that possibility of a break between Scotland and the rest of the UK had never been more closer Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring The Belgium government said it will reopen shops from December 1 including Luxembourg and the Netherlands Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields. Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees According to a report by Geo News, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers, belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups India-Sri Lanka-Maldives agree to bolster maritime co-operation The three countries discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage. UK to pilot blood test that may detect 50 types of cancer Results are expected by 2023, after which it is hoped one million people could receive the test by 2025. 'A yum to-go': Vienna's Hotel Sacher establishes drive-in cake centre amid pandemic A luxury hotel in Vienna, which is famous for serving delicious cakes and chocolates, have come up with an innovative way to serve their customers

Top 10 world news: Israeli embassies on alert after Iran threat, Ethiopian conflict, and more

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has ordered his military to launch a final offensive against Tigray leaders. Abiy Ahmed who won noble peace prize just last year in 2019 gave the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) 72-hours to ley down their weapons.

Ethiopia to launch 'final phase' of offensive against Tigray leaders

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He&nbsp;was known as the 'father'&nbsp;of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin. In Africa, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has assured African envoys that he will protect civilians in Tigray region. Read this and much more in top 10 World news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-report-345915"><img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3a89328-2032-488c-8095-d39c3761952a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_2.JPG" /></a>

Iranian media reported that the high-level nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" was killed on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-oligarchs-around-putin-navalny-to-european-parliament-345874">Target oligarchs around Putin, Navalny to European Parliament</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/target-oligarchs-around-putin-navalny-to-european-parliament-345874"><img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95de3c26-26a6-4d23-bb87-0870e2e76920" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/navalny_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Kremlin has denied allegations that it was behind Navalny's poisoning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856">As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856"><img alt="Al Aqsa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47802f22-88a4-4072-afb5-0bd719793851" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Al%20Aqsa.JPG" /></a> 
Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-clamps-down-on-corruption-in-major-drive-345883">Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-clamps-down-on-corruption-in-major-drive-345883"><img alt="Saudi Corruption" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad0a48c4-a768-4f14-8fe2-d0fabc16466f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Saudi_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The individuals in the net are involved with many ministries in Saudi Arabia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-leader-nicola-sturgeon-warns-uk-wants-referendum-early-in-next-parliament-345873">Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon warns UK; wants referendum 'early in next parliament'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-leader-nicola-sturgeon-warns-uk-wants-referendum-early-in-next-parliament-345873"><img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a442a20a-8e8d-4952-b87a-edf4de13ab93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Scotland.JPG" /></a> 
Sturgeon said the UK government's current opposition to the independence referendum, indyref2, was 'unsustainable'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-jailed-for-harvesting-of-organs-from-patients-345835">Chinese doctors jailed for harvesting of organs from patients</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-jailed-for-harvesting-of-organs-from-patients-345835"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f245ac95-dcfe-4937-b9c8-62e3fd35ea99" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chinese%20doctor.JPG" /></a> 
 
Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885">Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-pm-tells-african-envoys-he-will-protect-civilians-in-tigray-345885"><img alt="Ethiopia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89596df6-9e94-49bd-b664-f9d0f598b071" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Abiy%20Ahmed.JPG" /></a> 
 
A statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-african-american-cardinal-readies-for-princehood-345881">First African-American cardinal readies for 'princehood'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-african-american-cardinal-readies-for-princehood-345881"><img alt="Cardinal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb52be51-2f85-48d5-8bed-acc8ce372657" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardinal.JPG" /></a> 
 
The 72-year old Washington archbishop, who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday, shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-to-dig-up-zombie-mink-that-resurfaced-from-mass-graves-345916">Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-to-dig-up-zombie-mink-that-resurfaced-from-mass-graves-345916"><img alt="Denmark" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6eca1f1b-3268-4f33-b92f-190dd47ae32a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Denmark_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Denmark is facing a new horror, as cadavers of the culled minks have re-emerged from the earth, as per footage from local channels

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-3-billion-people-affected-by-water-shortages-report-345894">More than 3 billion people affected by water shortages: Report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-3-billion-people-affected-by-water-shortages-report-345894"><img alt="Water" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="458fd2a3-d3a3-46a5-87d1-da7902aede03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/water.JPG" /></a> 
 
A report titled 'The State of Food and Agriculture 2020:Overcoming water challenges in agriculture' by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published on Thursday shows fresh water available for each person has plunged by a fifth over two decades

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He was known as the 'father' of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin.

As per reports, Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated. He was known as the 'father' of Iran's nuclear program. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has kept up the heat on Vladimir Putin as he urged the European Parliament to target oligarchs around Putin. In Africa, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has assured African envoys that he will protect civilians in Tigray region. Read this and much more in top 10 World news. Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Iranian media reported that the high-level nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh referred to as "Iran’s Robert Oppenheimer" was killed on Friday. Target oligarchs around Putin, Navalny to European Parliament Kremlin has denied allegations that it was behind Navalny's poisoning. As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny Last month, a UAE delegation had visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, a move which was criticised by Palestinian PM Muhammad Shtayyeh. Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive The individuals in the net are involved with many ministries in Saudi Arabia Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon warns UK; wants referendum 'early in next parliament' Sturgeon said the UK government's current opposition to the independence referendum, indyref2, was 'unsustainable' Chinese doctors jailed for harvesting of organs from patients Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray A statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting First African-American cardinal readies for 'princehood' The 72-year old Washington archbishop, who is currently under quarantine ahead of the big day in the Vatican on Saturday, shows no sign of pre-ceremony nerves Denmark to dig up 'zombie mink' that resurfaced from mass graves Denmark is facing a new horror, as cadavers of the culled minks have re-emerged from the earth, as per footage from local channels More than 3 billion people affected by water shortages: Report A report titled 'The State of Food and Agriculture 2020:Overcoming water challenges in agriculture' by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published on Thursday shows fresh water available for each person has plunged by a fifth over two decades

Top 10 world news: Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated, Navalny on Putin, and more!

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle

Ethiopia orders final offensive in Tigray region after ultimatum expires

Hundreds have died, more than 40,000 refugees have fled to Sudan, and there has been widespread destruction and uprooting of people from homes in the northern Tigray region.

Ethiopia: Innocent civilians caught in crossfire

The Ethiopian military will begin the "final phase" of an offensive in the rebellious northern Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on Thursday, hours after an ultimatum for Tigray forces to surrender expired.

"The 72-hour period granted to the criminal TPLF clique to surrender peacefully is now over and our law enforcement campaign has reached its final stage," he tweeted, adding that civilians would be spared and that thousands of fighters had already surrendered.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces for comment. Claims by all sides have been impossible to verify because phone and internet connections to the region are down and access to the area is tightly controlled.

African envoys went to Ethiopia to plead for peace on Wednesday, hours before the ultimatum was to expire. Rights groups fear any assault could bring huge civilian casualties.

Abiy`s government set a 72-hour ultimatum on Sunday for the TPLF to lay down its arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the highland regional capital city of 500,000 people.

Thousands of people are already believed to have died and there has been widespread destruction from aerial bombardment and ground fighting since the war began on Nov. 4. Around 42,000 refugees have fled over the border to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit neighbouring Eritrea.

The Ethiopian military will begin the "final phase" of an offensive in the rebellious northern Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on Thursday, hours after an ultimatum for Tigray forces to surrender expired.

The Ethiopian military will begin the "final phase" of an offensive in the rebellious northern Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on Thursday, hours after an ultimatum for Tigray forces to surrender expired. "The 72-hour period granted to the criminal TPLF clique to surrender peacefully is now over and our law enforcement campaign has reached its final stage," he tweeted, adding that civilians would be spared and that thousands of fighters had already surrendered. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces for comment. Claims by all sides have been impossible to verify because phone and internet connections to the region are down and access to the area is tightly controlled. African envoys went to Ethiopia to plead for peace on Wednesday, hours before the ultimatum was to expire. Rights groups fear any assault could bring huge civilian casualties. Abiy`s government set a 72-hour ultimatum on Sunday for the TPLF to lay down its arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the highland regional capital city of 500,000 people. Thousands of people are already believed to have died and there has been widespread destruction from aerial bombardment and ground fighting since the war began on Nov. 4. Around 42,000 refugees have fled over the border to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit neighbouring Eritrea.

Ethiopia to begin 'final phase' of offensive in Tigray region, says PM

Fighting between Ethiopia`s military and regional forces from the northern Tigray region is seriously destabilising the East African region and hostilities should halt, the European Union foreign policy chief said. 
 
Hundreds of people have been killed since fighting began on Nov. 4, more than 41,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there are reports of militias targeting civilians. 
 
"I expressed my great concern regarding increasing ethnic-targeted violence, numerous casualties and violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law," Josep Borrell said in statement late on Tuesday. 
 
Ethiopia has described the fighting as an internal law enforcement matter, a position Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated in a statement on Wednesday. 
 
"We reject any interference in our internal affairs," he said. 
 
Tigrayans forces have fired rockets at the neighbouring country of Eritrea, and Ethiopian soldiers have been pulled from peacekeeping missions in Somalia and South Sudan. 
 
In Somalia, Ethiopia has disarmed several hundred Tigrayans in an African Union peacekeeping force fighting al Qaeda-linked militants. Three soldiers of Tigrayan ethnicity were also sent home from a U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan, a diplomatic and security source told Reuters. 
 
The U.N. force was not immediately available for comment 
 
Billene Seyoum, a spokeswoman for the Ethiopian prime minister`s office, told Reuters that the situation in South Sudan "would be the same" as in Somalia, meaning those soldiers that were sent home were under investigation for links to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), a political party spearheading the fighting. 
 
On Tuesday, Ethiopia`s state-appointed human rights watchdog accused a Tigrayan youth group of killing about 600 civilians as federal and local forces both claimed advances in a three-week war in the country`s mountainous north. 
 
Reuters has been unable to verify statements made by either side since phone and internet connections to Tigray are down and access to the area is strictly controlled.

Fighting between Ethiopia`s military and regional forces from the northern Tigray region is seriously destabilising the East African region and hostilities should halt, the European Union foreign policy chief said.

Fighting between Ethiopia`s military and regional forces from the northern Tigray region is seriously destabilising the East African region and hostilities should halt, the European Union foreign policy chief said. Hundreds of people have been killed since fighting began on Nov. 4, more than 41,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there are reports of militias targeting civilians. "I expressed my great concern regarding increasing ethnic-targeted violence, numerous casualties and violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law," Josep Borrell said in statement late on Tuesday. Ethiopia has described the fighting as an internal law enforcement matter, a position Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated in a statement on Wednesday. "We reject any interference in our internal affairs," he said. Tigrayans forces have fired rockets at the neighbouring country of Eritrea, and Ethiopian soldiers have been pulled from peacekeeping missions in Somalia and South Sudan. In Somalia, Ethiopia has disarmed several hundred Tigrayans in an African Union peacekeeping force fighting al Qaeda-linked militants. Three soldiers of Tigrayan ethnicity were also sent home from a U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan, a diplomatic and security source told Reuters. The U.N. force was not immediately available for comment Billene Seyoum, a spokeswoman for the Ethiopian prime minister`s office, told Reuters that the situation in South Sudan "would be the same" as in Somalia, meaning those soldiers that were sent home were under investigation for links to the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), a political party spearheading the fighting. On Tuesday, Ethiopia`s state-appointed human rights watchdog accused a Tigrayan youth group of killing about 600 civilians as federal and local forces both claimed advances in a three-week war in the country`s mountainous north. Reuters has been unable to verify statements made by either side since phone and internet connections to Tigray are down and access to the area is strictly controlled.

EU says Ethiopia fighting destabilising region, urges ceasefire

Ethiopia’s state-appointed rights watchdog accused Tigrayans of killing hundreds of civilians as federal and local forces both claimed advances in a three-week war in the country’s mountainous north.

Tigrayans accused of massacre, both sides claim gains in Ethiopia war

In the Tigray town of Humera, rubble still lines city streets, the power is still cut and civilians are trying to recover from the shelling and shooting that slammed Ethiopia's Tigray region in the first days of the country's grisly internal conflict.

An exclusive look inside a Tigray town scarred by Ethiopian conflict

The Ethiopian government said on Tuesday that Tigrayan soldiers were surrendering in the face of an advance towards the regional capital, but the local forces reported they were resisting and had destroyed a prestigious army division. 
 
Hundreds have died, more than 41,000 refugees have fled to Sudan, and there has been widespread destruction and uprooting of people from homes in the northern Tigray region. 
 
The three-week war has spread to Eritrea, where the Tigrayans have fired rockets, and also affected Somalia where Ethiopia has disarmed several hundred Tigrayans in a peacekeeping force fighting al Qaeda-linked militants. 
 
Reuters has been unable to verify statements made by either side since phone and internet connections to Tigray are down and access to the area is strictly controlled. 
 
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government said many Tigrayan combatants had responded to an ultimatum to lay down arms before a threatened offensive against Mekelle city, with half a million inhabitants. The deadline expires on Wednesday. 
 
"Using the government`s 72-hour period, a large number of Tigray militia and special forces are surrendering. Many have surrendered through the Afar region, and the remaining forces are surrendering peacefully," a government taskforce said. 
 
 
`TRAGIC CONFLICT` 
 
The battle-hardened Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had ruled the region of more than 5 million people, gave a sharply different version, saying their troops were keeping the federal forces at bay and scoring some big victories. 
 
Their spokesman Getachew Reda told Tigray TV an important army unit - which he termed the 21st mechanised division - had been destroyed in an assault at Raya-Wajirat led by a former commander of that unit now fighting for the TPLF. 
 
Billene Seyoum, the prime minister`s spokeswoman, told Reuters that was not true. 
 
The United States - which regards Ethiopia as a powerful ally in a turbulent region - France and Britain were the latest foreign powers to call for peace. 
 
Washington said it supported African Union (AU) mediation efforts "to end this tragic conflict now", while Paris and London warned against ethnic discrimination. 
 
The U.N. Security Council was to hold an informal discussion later on Tuesday over Ethiopia, according to a New York-based U.N. source and an email seen by Reuters. South Africa, as AU chair, was to report on the conflict and de-escalation efforts. 
 
Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for ending a standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not negotiate with the TPLF, though he does plan to receive AU envoys. 
 
 
MYRIAD ETHNIC GROUPS 
 
His predecessor, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, criticised international mediation efforts by "well-intentioned outsiders" in a piece for Foreign Policy magazine. 
 
"The key problem in the international community’s approach to Ethiopia is the assumption of moral equivalence, which leads foreign governments to adopt an attitude of false balance and bothsidesism" between the federal and Tigrayan sides, he said. 
 
Abiy, whose parents are from the larger Oromo and Amhara groups, denies any ethnic overtones to his offensive against the TPLF, saying he is pursuing criminals who have revolted against the federal government and ambushed a military base. 
 
The TPLF says he wants to subdue Tigray to amass more personal power. Since taking office in 2018, the prime minister has removed many Tigrayans from positions in government and the security forces and arrested some on charges of corruption and human rights abuses, even though he was their former military comrade and coalition partner. 
 
TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael has disputed the government version that Mekelle is encircled at a roughly 50km (31 mile) distance and told Reuters the ultimatum was a cover for government forces to regroup after defeats. 
 
The conflict threatens to destabilise Ethiopia, a vast nation of 115 million people from myriad ethnic groups whose struggles for greater resources and power have intensified since Abiy took office. 
 
Some school students` exams scheduled for December were postponed "due to the current situation in the country," the Education Ministry said. 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Addis Ababa newsroom, Omar Mohammed, Nazanine Moshiri, Maggie Fick and Katharine Houreld in Nairobi; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by William Maclean) 
&nbsp;

The Ethiopian government said on Tuesday that Tigrayan soldiers were surrendering in the face of an advance towards the regional capital, but the local forces reported they were resisting and had destroyed a prestigious army division.

The Ethiopian government said on Tuesday that Tigrayan soldiers were surrendering in the face of an advance towards the regional capital, but the local forces reported they were resisting and had destroyed a prestigious army division. Hundreds have died, more than 41,000 refugees have fled to Sudan, and there has been widespread destruction and uprooting of people from homes in the northern Tigray region. The three-week war has spread to Eritrea, where the Tigrayans have fired rockets, and also affected Somalia where Ethiopia has disarmed several hundred Tigrayans in a peacekeeping force fighting al Qaeda-linked militants. Reuters has been unable to verify statements made by either side since phone and internet connections to Tigray are down and access to the area is strictly controlled. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government said many Tigrayan combatants had responded to an ultimatum to lay down arms before a threatened offensive against Mekelle city, with half a million inhabitants. The deadline expires on Wednesday. "Using the government`s 72-hour period, a large number of Tigray militia and special forces are surrendering. Many have surrendered through the Afar region, and the remaining forces are surrendering peacefully," a government taskforce said. `TRAGIC CONFLICT` The battle-hardened Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which had ruled the region of more than 5 million people, gave a sharply different version, saying their troops were keeping the federal forces at bay and scoring some big victories. Their spokesman Getachew Reda told Tigray TV an important army unit - which he termed the 21st mechanised division - had been destroyed in an assault at Raya-Wajirat led by a former commander of that unit now fighting for the TPLF. Billene Seyoum, the prime minister`s spokeswoman, told Reuters that was not true. The United States - which regards Ethiopia as a powerful ally in a turbulent region - France and Britain were the latest foreign powers to call for peace. Washington said it supported African Union (AU) mediation efforts "to end this tragic conflict now", while Paris and London warned against ethnic discrimination. The U.N. Security Council was to hold an informal discussion later on Tuesday over Ethiopia, according to a New York-based U.N. source and an email seen by Reuters. South Africa, as AU chair, was to report on the conflict and de-escalation efforts. Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for ending a standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not negotiate with the TPLF, though he does plan to receive AU envoys. MYRIAD ETHNIC GROUPS His predecessor, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, criticised international mediation efforts by "well-intentioned outsiders" in a piece for Foreign Policy magazine. "The key problem in the international community’s approach to Ethiopia is the assumption of moral equivalence, which leads foreign governments to adopt an attitude of false balance and bothsidesism" between the federal and Tigrayan sides, he said. Abiy, whose parents are from the larger Oromo and Amhara groups, denies any ethnic overtones to his offensive against the TPLF, saying he is pursuing criminals who have revolted against the federal government and ambushed a military base. The TPLF says he wants to subdue Tigray to amass more personal power. Since taking office in 2018, the prime minister has removed many Tigrayans from positions in government and the security forces and arrested some on charges of corruption and human rights abuses, even though he was their former military comrade and coalition partner. TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael has disputed the government version that Mekelle is encircled at a roughly 50km (31 mile) distance and told Reuters the ultimatum was a cover for government forces to regroup after defeats. The conflict threatens to destabilise Ethiopia, a vast nation of 115 million people from myriad ethnic groups whose struggles for greater resources and power have intensified since Abiy took office. Some school students` exams scheduled for December were postponed "due to the current situation in the country," the Education Ministry said. (Reporting by Addis Ababa newsroom, Omar Mohammed, Nazanine Moshiri, Maggie Fick and Katharine Houreld in Nairobi; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by William Maclean)

Ethiopia says foes surrendering, Tigray forces report battle win

Forces fighting against the Ethiopian government in the region of Tigray claim to have “completely destroyed” the army’s 21st mechanised division.

On Tuesday, Getachew Reda, a spokesperson for forces in Tigray claimed that the government forces were completely pushed back by them.

Internet access in Tigray remains limited, with no way to verify claims of either sides.&nbsp; The conflict which erupted on November 4 has killed hundreds of people, and has displaced 40,000 people who have now fled to Sudan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/last-opportunity-ethiopian-pm-gives-72-hours-ultimatum-to-tigray-rebels-344738" hreflang="en">'Last opportunity': Ethiopian PM gives 72-hours ultimatum to Tigray rebels</a>

United States on Monday called for mediation between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

"The United States calls for mediation in #Ethiopia and supports the efforts led by @CyrilRamaphosa and the @_AfricanUnion to end this tragic conflict now," the US government's National Security Council tweeted out on Monday.

The United Nations last week said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopian-government-troops-push-towards-tigray-capital-rebuff-mediation-344553" hreflang="en">Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation</a>

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy&nbsp;Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence had entered the “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele.

Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps.

Forces fighting against the Ethiopian government in the region of Tigray claim to have “completely destroyed” the army’s 21st mechanised division. On Tuesday, Getachew Reda, a spokesperson for forces in Tigray claimed that the government forces were completely pushed back by them.

Forces fighting against the Ethiopian government in the region of Tigray claim to have “completely destroyed” the army’s 21st mechanised division. On Tuesday, Getachew Reda, a spokesperson for forces in Tigray claimed that the government forces were completely pushed back by them. Internet access in Tigray remains limited, with no way to verify claims of either sides. The conflict which erupted on November 4 has killed hundreds of people, and has displaced 40,000 people who have now fled to Sudan. Also read: 'Last opportunity': Ethiopian PM gives 72-hours ultimatum to Tigray rebels United States on Monday called for mediation between the federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). "The United States calls for mediation in #Ethiopia and supports the efforts led by @CyrilRamaphosa and the @_AfricanUnion to end this tragic conflict now," the US government's National Security Council tweeted out on Monday. The United Nations last week said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region. Also read: Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence had entered the “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele. Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps.

Ethiopia's 21st mechanised division 'completely destroyed', claim Tigray forces

Sudan has already said it would shelter thousands of Ethiopians fleeing the conflict at the Um Raquba camp, which in the 1980s hosted thousands of Ethiopian fleeing famine.

Many refugees have fled to Sudan as conflict rages on in Ethiopia

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed gave Tigrayan regional forces 72 hours to surrender before the military begins an offensive on the regional capital of Mekelle.

Ethiopia PM gives Tigray forces 72 hours to surrender regional capital

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity". &nbsp;

"Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72 hours, recognising you are at a point of no return," the prime minister said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-government-troops-push-towards-tigray-capital-rebuff-mediation-344553">Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation</a>

"Take this last opportunity."

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Abiy started the military operation against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on November 4.

Hundreds of people have been killed in the attacks via bombing, aerial combat and ground fighting, but, it's difficult to estimate which side received more damage due to a communications blackout.&nbsp;

Abiy also told the TPLF forces to "surrender peacefully" and urged the people of Tigray's capital Mekele to back the army "in bringing this treasonous group to justice"&nbsp;

Earlier today, the nation's army had threatened that it would besiege the city and warned civilians to escape before the conditions worsened.&nbsp;

The conflict has already led to hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Sudan.&nbsp;

The government accuses the Tigrayan rebels of revolting against central authority by attacking federal troops in the town of Dansha on Nov 4.

The rebels claim that Abiy government has marginalised Tigrayans after coming to power two years ago, excluding them from major roles in government and the military and detaining several on rights abuse and corruption charges.

 
&nbsp;

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity".

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to dissident leaders in the northern region of Tigray to surrender, warning this is the "last opportunity". "Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72 hours, recognising you are at a point of no return," the prime minister said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation "Take this last opportunity." Also read | Ethiopia violence has put 2.3 million children in crisis: UNICEF Abiy started the military operation against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) on November 4. Hundreds of people have been killed in the attacks via bombing, aerial combat and ground fighting, but, it's difficult to estimate which side received more damage due to a communications blackout. Abiy also told the TPLF forces to "surrender peacefully" and urged the people of Tigray's capital Mekele to back the army "in bringing this treasonous group to justice" Earlier today, the nation's army had threatened that it would besiege the city and warned civilians to escape before the conditions worsened. The conflict has already led to hundreds of thousands fled to neighbouring Sudan. The government accuses the Tigrayan rebels of revolting against central authority by attacking federal troops in the town of Dansha on Nov 4. The rebels claim that Abiy government has marginalised Tigrayans after coming to power two years ago, excluding them from major roles in government and the military and detaining several on rights abuse and corruption charges.

'Last opportunity': Ethiopian PM gives 72-hours ultimatum to Tigray rebels

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which is refusing to surrender its rule of the northern region, said its forces were digging trenches and standing firm.

Ethiopia military: We will use tanks, artillery to capture Mekelle

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State. Atleast 8 people have died. In Africa, Ethiopian government troops pushed towards Tigray region. Saudi King opened G-20 Summit that is being held amid coronavirus pandemic. In Thailand, anti-government protests have continued. US has extended Iraq sanction wavers. Read this and more in our top 10 world news.

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The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban

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The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts.

 
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Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery."

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The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in Thailand which has shaken the Prayuth government.

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The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad

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Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored 'some disturbing allegations' and added that the government taking them 'very seriously'

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The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 COVID-19 infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend"

 
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A source close to Prince Harry is responded to a recent tabloid reports that accused the royal of failing to support his brother, Prince William and protect their late mother, Princess Diana's, legacy.

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The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases

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The prosecutors said they are 'investigating at full speed to shed light on the sexual murder with suspicion of a cannibalistic background' 
&nbsp;

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State.

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State. Atleast 8 people have died. In Africa, Ethiopian government troops pushed towards Tigray region. Saudi King opened G-20 Summit that is being held amid coronavirus pandemic. In Thailand, anti-government protests have continued. US has extended Iraq sanction wavers. Read this and more in our top 10 world news. Kabul terror attack: Islamic State claims responsibility The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts. Saudi King opens G20 summit, pandemic dominates meet Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery." Now, 'bad student' group protests against Thailand government The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in Thailand which has shaken the Prayuth government. US extends Iraq sanction waiver, to end days before Biden inauguration The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad 'Terribly disturbing': Australian PM reacts publicly on 'unlawful' killings report Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored 'some disturbing allegations' and added that the government taking them 'very seriously' Canada's largest city Toronto to be on COVID-19 lockdown starting Monday The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 COVID-19 infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend" Prince Harry finds controversy surrounding Princess Diana interview investigation 'horrid': Report A source close to Prince Harry is responded to a recent tabloid reports that accused the royal of failing to support his brother, Prince William and protect their late mother, Princess Diana's, legacy. Hong Kong enters fourth wave of COVID-19; schools shut The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases Germany: Teacher arrested on suspicion of murder and cannibalism The prosecutors said they are 'investigating at full speed to shed light on the sexual murder with suspicion of a cannibalistic background'

Top 10 World news: Kabul terror attack, Ethiopia conflict, and more!

Ethiopia's military accused World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday of supporting and trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for Tigray state's dominant political party, which is fighting federal forces.

Ethiopia accuses WHO chief Tedros of backing Tigray rebels

Ethiopian army on Thursday accused World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of supporting dissidents in Tigray region. Ethiopian army is currently engaged in an armed conflict with country's Tigray region. The military even accused Dr Tedros of supporting and trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for Tigray's dominant political party.

"This man is a member of that group," army chief of staff General Birhanu Jula said in a televised statement.

"What do you expect from him when his group and his like are entered into the war?" Birhanu said, calling Tedros a criminal who should be stripped of his WHO post. He was quoted by Reuters.

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An Ethiopian of Tigrayan descent, Tedros served as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister from 2005-2016 in a government coalition led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF effectively ruled the country for decades as the strongest force in the coalition, until Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy took office two years ago.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-says-its-troops-marching-on-tigrayan-capital-343897">Ethiopia says its troops marching on Tigrayan capital</a> 
 
"We don't expect him to stand on the side of Ethiopians and condemn these people. He has been doing everything to support them, he has campaigned for neighbouring countries to condemn the war."

Birhanu did not give further specific details of his allegations against Tedros.

Tedros, 55, was elected in May 2017 as the WHO's first African director-general, and has come to global prominence as head of the health body during the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Jula did not give specific details to back his allegations against Dr Tedros.

There was no immediate comment from the WHO.

(With Reuters inputs)

Ethiopian army on Thursday accused World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of supporting dissidents in Tigray region. Ethiopian army is currently engaged in an armed conflict with country's Tigray region.

Ethiopian army on Thursday accused World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of supporting dissidents in Tigray region. Ethiopian army is currently engaged in an armed conflict with country's Tigray region. The military even accused Dr Tedros of supporting and trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for Tigray's dominant political party. "This man is a member of that group," army chief of staff General Birhanu Jula said in a televised statement. "What do you expect from him when his group and his like are entered into the war?" Birhanu said, calling Tedros a criminal who should be stripped of his WHO post. He was quoted by Reuters. × An Ethiopian of Tigrayan descent, Tedros served as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister from 2005-2016 in a government coalition led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF effectively ruled the country for decades as the strongest force in the coalition, until Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy took office two years ago. Also Read | Ethiopia says its troops marching on Tigrayan capital "We don't expect him to stand on the side of Ethiopians and condemn these people. He has been doing everything to support them, he has campaigned for neighbouring countries to condemn the war." Birhanu did not give further specific details of his allegations against Tedros. Tedros, 55, was elected in May 2017 as the WHO's first African director-general, and has come to global prominence as head of the health body during the COVID-19 pandemic. General Jula did not give specific details to back his allegations against Dr Tedros. There was no immediate comment from the WHO. (With Reuters inputs)

Ethiopia accuses WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of supporting Tigray region

Ethiopia remains grim as Tigray's rebel forces fire rocket into the city of Bahir Dar. Hundreds of Ethiopians have died in the last 2 weeks.

Is Ethiopia heading to a civil war?

The violence that has erupted in&nbsp;Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday.

The region of Tigray has been observing violent conflicts and fights for the past few weeks after the&nbsp;Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch of military operations against the regional government.

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This constant fighting has affected millions of people, especially young children, who are stranded in refugee camps as the area has had several blackouts and establishing communication in the restricted areas has been nearly impossible for the authorities and volunteers.

"Inside the Tigray region, restricted access and the ongoing communication blackout have left an estimated 2.3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and out of reach," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said.&nbsp;

These millions of children have been left unattended in the refugee camps. "Some 12,000 children – some of them without parents or relatives – are among those sheltering in camps and registration centres and are at risk," the report states.

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This is the count when hundreds of people have fled the region through Ethiopia's northern border into the neighbouring Sudan area. This has led to a lack of space in the refugee camps, and the people sheltering there are facing extreme unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, leading to depleting health.

The UN is now hoping to provide immediate support to the children living in these "extremely harsh" conditions, and have urged authorities to refrain from using explosives, especially in densely populated areas.

"Every effort should be made to keep children out of harm's way, and to ensure that they are protected from recruitment and use in the conflict," Fore said.&nbsp;

The violence that has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday.

The violence that has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region has left nearly 2.3 million children helpless and in urgent need of assistance, UNICEF reported on Friday. The region of Tigray has been observing violent conflicts and fights for the past few weeks after the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch of military operations against the regional government. Also read| Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report This constant fighting has affected millions of people, especially young children, who are stranded in refugee camps as the area has had several blackouts and establishing communication in the restricted areas has been nearly impossible for the authorities and volunteers. "Inside the Tigray region, restricted access and the ongoing communication blackout have left an estimated 2.3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance and out of reach," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said. These millions of children have been left unattended in the refugee camps. "Some 12,000 children – some of them without parents or relatives – are among those sheltering in camps and registration centres and are at risk," the report states. × This is the count when hundreds of people have fled the region through Ethiopia's northern border into the neighbouring Sudan area. This has led to a lack of space in the refugee camps, and the people sheltering there are facing extreme unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, leading to depleting health. The UN is now hoping to provide immediate support to the children living in these "extremely harsh" conditions, and have urged authorities to refrain from using explosives, especially in densely populated areas. "Every effort should be made to keep children out of harm's way, and to ensure that they are protected from recruitment and use in the conflict," Fore said.

Ethiopia violence has put 2.3 million children in crisis: UNICEF

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JuD chief Hafiz Saeed sentenced to over 10 years in jail in terror funding cases https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-sentenced-to-over-10-years-in-jail-in-terror-funding-cases-344074 The anti-terror court in Lahore ordered the confiscation of all properties of Hafiz Saeed. It is the fourth conviction of Hafiz Saeed this year. Pompeo says US to label exports from West Bank settlements as 'Made in Israel' Pompeo’s predecessors as secretary of state have only visited the West Bank under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority, but never in a settlement, because they held Israel’s presence there to be illegitimate Ethiopia accuses WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of supporting Tigray region An Ethiopian of Tigrayan descent, Dr Tedros served as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister from 2005-2016 in a government coalition led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) Donald Trump asks judge to declare him winner in Pennsylvania Republican Trump's campaign has filed a flurry of lawsuits in a long-shot bid to reverse the election Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps unleashes new warship with drones, helicopters onboard Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled a warship named after slain Naval commander Abdollah Roudaki, sailing through the waters in the Gulf Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine safe for older adults, results show The phase 2 trial of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine involved 560 participants out of which 240 were over 70 and researchers said that responses were "similar" across all age groups. Five eyes or ten eyes, they should be careful not to get their eyes poked out: China on Hong Kong row China had promised to rule Hong Kong under the "One Country, Two Systems" model, however, after last year's anti-government demonstrations and the imposition of national security law in June, Hong Kong citizens were placed under new stricter restrictions directly controlled by Beijing. Man becomes millionaire overnight after meteorite crashes in his house The meteorite fetched the man 30 years' worth of his salary Denmark says mutated coronavirus from mink farms 'most likely eradicated' The Danish government said most of the strict restrictions it had imposed on November 5 on seven municipalities in the North Jutland region, home to 280,000 people, would be lifted on Friday Swedish prosecution says Quran burning not 'illegal', decides not to press charges The case is related to a protest on the streets of Malmo where far-right demonstrators burned a copy of the Quran in late August

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Ethiopian forces carried out "precision led and surgical air operations" outside of Tigray's capital Makelle, the government's emergency task-force said on Tuesday.

The strikes came amid a near two-week long conflict with defiant local leaders, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the three-day surrender ultimatum issued to Tigray special forces and their allied militia was over.

"Following the expiration of this deadline, the final critical act of law enforcement will be done in the coming days," Abiy wrote on Facebook.

Earlier on Monday, Ethiopia resisted international pressure for mediation in the war in the country's north as its air force bombed the Tigrayan capital Mekelle.

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Hundreds have died, 25,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there have been reports of atrocities since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered air strikes and a ground offensive on November 4 against Tigray's local rulers for defying his authority.

But Africa's youngest leader, who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, has so far resisted pressure for talks to end a conflict that has spilled into neighbouring Eritrea and threatened to destabilise the wider Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia's air force dropped bombs in and around Mekelle on Monday, four diplomatic and military sources told Reuters.

Ethiopia's task force said earlier that federal troops had "liberated" Alamata from the TPLF.

The Tigray flare-up could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia's economy, stir ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around Africa's second most populous nation, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy, 44, who won his Nobel for pursuing peace with Eritrea.

The TPLF, which governs the region of 5 million people, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and soldiers over the border against it.

Eritrea denies that.

Tigray forces fired rockets into Eritrea at the weekend.

Ethiopian forces carried out "precision led and surgical air operations" outside of Tigray's capital Makelle, the government's emergency task-force said on Tuesday.

Ethiopian forces carried out "precision led and surgical air operations" outside of Tigray's capital Makelle, the government's emergency task-force said on Tuesday. The strikes came amid a near two-week long conflict with defiant local leaders, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the three-day surrender ultimatum issued to Tigray special forces and their allied militia was over. "Following the expiration of this deadline, the final critical act of law enforcement will be done in the coming days," Abiy wrote on Facebook. Earlier on Monday, Ethiopia resisted international pressure for mediation in the war in the country's north as its air force bombed the Tigrayan capital Mekelle. × Hundreds have died, 25,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there have been reports of atrocities since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered air strikes and a ground offensive on November 4 against Tigray's local rulers for defying his authority. But Africa's youngest leader, who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, has so far resisted pressure for talks to end a conflict that has spilled into neighbouring Eritrea and threatened to destabilise the wider Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's air force dropped bombs in and around Mekelle on Monday, four diplomatic and military sources told Reuters. Ethiopia's task force said earlier that federal troops had "liberated" Alamata from the TPLF. The Tigray flare-up could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia's economy, stir ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around Africa's second most populous nation, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy, 44, who won his Nobel for pursuing peace with Eritrea. The TPLF, which governs the region of 5 million people, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and soldiers over the border against it. Eritrea denies that. Tigray forces fired rockets into Eritrea at the weekend.

Ethiopia carries out air strikes in Tigray, PM says surrender ultimatum over

A year after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel peace prize, his forces are making twin advances towards Tigray. Over 100 people have died in the ongoing war that has forced 27,000 people to leave Tigray.

Gravitas: Ethiopia Tigray conflict

Ethiopia said its troops were marching on the capital of the Tigray region on Tuesday after a deadline for rebel forces to surrender passed in a two-week conflict shaking the Horn of Africa and alarming the world.

“The final critical act of law enforcement will be done in the coming days,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

Later on Tuesday, Abiy’s special task force on the Tigray conflict accused rebel forces of destroying bridges connecting the regional capital Mekelle with the rest of the country in attempts to hold back federal government forces.

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“Anxious about (our) advance, the junta has destroyed four bridges that lead to Mekelle,” it said, adding that the TPLF had also destroyed the section of a main road eastwards to Mekelle between the towns of Shire and Axum. Shire was under federal control, the task force reported earlier in the day.

“The TPLF junta will soon be held accountable for destroying this infrastructure and for crimes it has committed so far.”

There was no immediate TPLF comment on the accusations.

Abiy, Africa’s youngest leader and the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, launched air strikes and a ground offensive on Nov. 4 after accusing ex-comrades and the local ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), of armed revolt.

Tigrayan leaders say Abiy, 44, who comes from Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group the Oromo, has persecuted and purged them from government and security posts since taking office in 2018.

Tigrayan forces have fired rockets into the neighbouring nation of Eritrea, accusing Eritrean forces of helping the Ethiopian government side, an allegation denied by Asmara.

But the rocket fire has escalated a conflict which has already killed hundreds - one diplomatic source said thousands - and sent about 30,000 refugees into Sudan.

“How could they kill their own brothers and sisters? This is not our custom,” Addis Ababa resident Fitawrari Million said of the Tigrayan leaders during a rally to honour federal soldiers.

The United Nations said a “full-scale humanitarian crisis” was unfolding. With communications largely down and media barred, Reuters could not independently verify assertions by either side nor the situation on the ground.

“People are coming out of Ethiopia really scared, afraid, with stories saying they have been fleeing heavy fighting and there’s no sign of the fighting stopping,” said Babar Baloch, spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

With hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans dependent on food aid even before the conflict, suffering is worsening as hundreds of humanitarian workers are pulling out for their own safety.

Mark Lowcock, U.N. Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said the United Nations was pressing Abiy’s government to assure immediate and safe access to displaced people. “Humanitarian workers must be able to deliver assistance without fear of attack,” he said.

‘BRING JUNTA TO JUSTICE’

Abiy’s air force struck unspecified TPLF targets outside Mekelle on Monday.

Earlier on Tuesday, his task force said federal forces had “liberated” the Raya, Chercher, Gugufto and Mehoni localities on the eastern front, and Shire on the conflict’s western front.

Federal forces had also destroyed TPLF military bases in both areas and were now heading towards Mekelle, the statement said. “The force of the junta is now retreating, and the army is marching to bring the TPLF junta to justice.”

Tigray’s leaders have accused federal forces of knocking out a dam and a sugar factory as well as “mercilessly” attacking people in the region of more than 5 million.

The government denies targeting civilians.

In a sign the push towards Mekelle may not be going entirely to plan, TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters battles were still ongoing around the southern town of Alamata that federal troops said they seized the previous day.

After Amnesty International reported a massacre of scores of labourers, where it cited witnesses blaming TPLF forces, the United Nations human rights chief said war crimes may have been committed.

REGIONAL CLAMOUR

Governments around Europe and Africa are clamouring for talks and even the Nobel committee voiced concern in rare comment on a past laureate’s actions.

But Abiy has said he will only negotiate when rule of law is restored in Tigray, whose leaders are former military comrades whom he also partnered in government until 2018.

On Monday, his foreign minister went to Uganda and Kenya, while a Nigerian former president flew to Addis Ababa. Diplomats described a growing push for negotiations, but Ethiopia said it was simply explaining an internal conflict to outsiders.

The fighting could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia’s economy, stir ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around the vast nation of 115 million people, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy. He won his Nobel for pursuing peace with Eritrea and had drawn praise for opening up a repressive political system, though arrests and media curbs have tainted that of late.

Ethiopia said its troops were marching on the capital of the Tigray region on Tuesday after a deadline for rebel forces to surrender passed in a two-week conflict shaking the Horn of Africa and alarming the world.

Ethiopia said its troops were marching on the capital of the Tigray region on Tuesday after a deadline for rebel forces to surrender passed in a two-week conflict shaking the Horn of Africa and alarming the world. “The final critical act of law enforcement will be done in the coming days,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Later on Tuesday, Abiy’s special task force on the Tigray conflict accused rebel forces of destroying bridges connecting the regional capital Mekelle with the rest of the country in attempts to hold back federal government forces. “Anxious about (our) advance, the junta has destroyed four bridges that lead to Mekelle,” it said, adding that the TPLF had also destroyed the section of a main road eastwards to Mekelle between the towns of Shire and Axum. Shire was under federal control, the task force reported earlier in the day. “The TPLF junta will soon be held accountable for destroying this infrastructure and for crimes it has committed so far.” There was no immediate TPLF comment on the accusations. Abiy, Africa’s youngest leader and the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, launched air strikes and a ground offensive on Nov. 4 after accusing ex-comrades and the local ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), of armed revolt. Tigrayan leaders say Abiy, 44, who comes from Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group the Oromo, has persecuted and purged them from government and security posts since taking office in 2018. Tigrayan forces have fired rockets into the neighbouring nation of Eritrea, accusing Eritrean forces of helping the Ethiopian government side, an allegation denied by Asmara. But the rocket fire has escalated a conflict which has already killed hundreds - one diplomatic source said thousands - and sent about 30,000 refugees into Sudan. “How could they kill their own brothers and sisters? This is not our custom,” Addis Ababa resident Fitawrari Million said of the Tigrayan leaders during a rally to honour federal soldiers. The United Nations said a “full-scale humanitarian crisis” was unfolding. With communications largely down and media barred, Reuters could not independently verify assertions by either side nor the situation on the ground. “People are coming out of Ethiopia really scared, afraid, with stories saying they have been fleeing heavy fighting and there’s no sign of the fighting stopping,” said Babar Baloch, spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). With hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans dependent on food aid even before the conflict, suffering is worsening as hundreds of humanitarian workers are pulling out for their own safety. Mark Lowcock, U.N. Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said the United Nations was pressing Abiy’s government to assure immediate and safe access to displaced people. “Humanitarian workers must be able to deliver assistance without fear of attack,” he said. ‘BRING JUNTA TO JUSTICE’ Abiy’s air force struck unspecified TPLF targets outside Mekelle on Monday. Earlier on Tuesday, his task force said federal forces had “liberated” the Raya, Chercher, Gugufto and Mehoni localities on the eastern front, and Shire on the conflict’s western front. Federal forces had also destroyed TPLF military bases in both areas and were now heading towards Mekelle, the statement said. “The force of the junta is now retreating, and the army is marching to bring the TPLF junta to justice.” Tigray’s leaders have accused federal forces of knocking out a dam and a sugar factory as well as “mercilessly” attacking people in the region of more than 5 million. The government denies targeting civilians. In a sign the push towards Mekelle may not be going entirely to plan, TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters battles were still ongoing around the southern town of Alamata that federal troops said they seized the previous day. After Amnesty International reported a massacre of scores of labourers, where it cited witnesses blaming TPLF forces, the United Nations human rights chief said war crimes may have been committed. REGIONAL CLAMOUR Governments around Europe and Africa are clamouring for talks and even the Nobel committee voiced concern in rare comment on a past laureate’s actions. But Abiy has said he will only negotiate when rule of law is restored in Tigray, whose leaders are former military comrades whom he also partnered in government until 2018. On Monday, his foreign minister went to Uganda and Kenya, while a Nigerian former president flew to Addis Ababa. Diplomats described a growing push for negotiations, but Ethiopia said it was simply explaining an internal conflict to outsiders. The fighting could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia’s economy, stir ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around the vast nation of 115 million people, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy. He won his Nobel for pursuing peace with Eritrea and had drawn praise for opening up a repressive political system, though arrests and media curbs have tainted that of late.

Ethiopia says its troops marching on Tigrayan capital

Ethiopia says its troops marching on Tigrayan capital Mekele

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy&nbsp;Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence were now entering a “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-carries-out-air-strikes-in-tigray-pm-says-surrender-ultimatum-over-343644" hreflang="en">Ethiopia carries out air strikes in Tigray, PM says surrender ultimatum over</a>

Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps.

According to the UN refugee agency, 27,000 Ethiopians had fled the region into Sudan.&nbsp;

Currently, 4,000 people are fleeing the region everyday.

"A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding," spokesman Babar Baloch said during a virtual press briefing in Geneva.

"Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety, with few belongings”, Baloch added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-tigray-town-seized-war-embroils-eritrea-343515" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea</a>

Those who escaped recounted the horrific scenes from the war-torn region. On Friday, Abiy had declared that the TPLF was “in the final throes of death”.

"The three-day deadline for the Tigray regional special forces and militia to hand themselves over to national defence forces instead of being a tool for the greedy junta has expired. Those Tigray special forces and militia who used the three-day deadline are appreciated," he said.&nbsp;

"Since the deadline has been completed, in the coming days the final law enforcement activities will be done”, he added.

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region.

The United Nations on Tuesday said that a humanitarian crisis is currently underway in northern parts of Ethiopia. Thousands of people are currently fleeing the conflict taking place in the Tigray region. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that operations to end the violence were now entering a “final” phase, following fresh air strikes near the Tigray capital of Mekele. Also read: Ethiopia carries out air strikes in Tigray, PM says surrender ultimatum over Abiy had received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. He claimed that his military campaign came in response to the attacks that were launched by the local ruling party - Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who had earlier attacked federal military camps. According to the UN refugee agency, 27,000 Ethiopians had fled the region into Sudan. Currently, 4,000 people are fleeing the region everyday. "A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding," spokesman Babar Baloch said during a virtual press briefing in Geneva. "Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long trek to safety, with few belongings”, Baloch added. Also read: Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea Those who escaped recounted the horrific scenes from the war-torn region. On Friday, Abiy had declared that the TPLF was “in the final throes of death”. "The three-day deadline for the Tigray regional special forces and militia to hand themselves over to national defence forces instead of being a tool for the greedy junta has expired. Those Tigray special forces and militia who used the three-day deadline are appreciated," he said. "Since the deadline has been completed, in the coming days the final law enforcement activities will be done”, he added.

Full-scale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ethiopia: United Nations

Ethiopian forces have liberated a town in the northern Tigray region, the government`s emergency taskforce said late on Sunday, accusing local leaders of taking 10,000 prisoners from the town as they fled.

Tigray forces fired rockets into neighbouring Eritrea on Saturday, escalating a 13-day conflict which has killed hundreds on both sides, and threatens to destabilise other parts of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

"As the TPLF (Tigray`s ruling party) militia were defeated in Alamata, they fled taking along around 10,000 prisoners," the government`s taskforce said on Twitter.

With access restricted and most communications down in Tigray, Reuters could not independently verify assertions made by all sides.

There was no immediate comment from Tigray`s leaders on the events in Alamata, a town near the border with Amhara regional state, about 120 km (75 miles) from Tigray`s capital Mekelle.

The U.S. State Department`s top diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, denounced the attacks by Tigrayan forces on Eritrea, calling them "efforts to internationalize the conflict" in Tigray.

Debretsion Gebremichael, Tigray`s regional president, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and thousands of troops into his region in support of the Ethiopian government`s offensive.

Eritrea`s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed told Reuters last week that his country was not involved in the conflict.

Abiy launched the campaign in Tigray on Nov. 4 after accusing local forces of attacking federal troops based in the northern state, which borders Eritrea and Sudan and is home to some 5 million people.

Fighting spread into Ethiopia`s Amhara state, whose local forces are fighting with federal troops in Tigray. Late on Friday, rockets were fired at two airports in Amhara in what the TPLF said was retaliation for government air strikes.

The government says the strikes aim to destroy equipment controlled by insurgent Tigray forces.

At least 20,000 Ethiopians have fled into Sudan, the United Nations said on Sunday.

Ethiopian forces have liberated a town in the northern Tigray region, the government`s emergency taskforce said late on Sunday, accusing local leaders of taking 10,000 prisoners from the town as they fled.

Ethiopian forces have liberated a town in the northern Tigray region, the government`s emergency taskforce said late on Sunday, accusing local leaders of taking 10,000 prisoners from the town as they fled. Tigray forces fired rockets into neighbouring Eritrea on Saturday, escalating a 13-day conflict which has killed hundreds on both sides, and threatens to destabilise other parts of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. "As the TPLF (Tigray`s ruling party) militia were defeated in Alamata, they fled taking along around 10,000 prisoners," the government`s taskforce said on Twitter. With access restricted and most communications down in Tigray, Reuters could not independently verify assertions made by all sides. There was no immediate comment from Tigray`s leaders on the events in Alamata, a town near the border with Amhara regional state, about 120 km (75 miles) from Tigray`s capital Mekelle. The U.S. State Department`s top diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, denounced the attacks by Tigrayan forces on Eritrea, calling them "efforts to internationalize the conflict" in Tigray. Debretsion Gebremichael, Tigray`s regional president, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and thousands of troops into his region in support of the Ethiopian government`s offensive. Eritrea`s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed told Reuters last week that his country was not involved in the conflict. Abiy launched the campaign in Tigray on Nov. 4 after accusing local forces of attacking federal troops based in the northern state, which borders Eritrea and Sudan and is home to some 5 million people. Fighting spread into Ethiopia`s Amhara state, whose local forces are fighting with federal troops in Tigray. Late on Friday, rockets were fired at two airports in Amhara in what the TPLF said was retaliation for government air strikes. The government says the strikes aim to destroy equipment controlled by insurgent Tigray forces. At least 20,000 Ethiopians have fled into Sudan, the United Nations said on Sunday.

Ethiopia seizes town in Tigray, says 10,000 prisoners missing

The leader of the Tigray region has now claimed responsibility for the rocket strikes on Eritrea's capital, Hundred people were killed in this strike, rights commissions are investigating the killings

Ethiopia: The leader of Tigray region has claimed responsibility of airstrike on Eritrea

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government said on Monday it had captured another town in the northern Tigray region after nearly two weeks of fighting in a conflict already spilling into Eritrea and destabilising the wider Horn of Africa. 
 
Hundreds have died, at least 20,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there have been reports of atrocities since Abiy ordered air strikes and a ground offensive against Tigray`s rulers for defying his authority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-seizes-town-in-tigray-says-10000-prisoners-missing-343424" hreflang="en">Ethiopia seizes town in Tigray, says 10,000 prisoners missing</a> 
 
The conflict could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia`s economy, stir up ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around Africa`s second most populous nation, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year for a peace pact with Eritrea. 
 
The Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the region of more than 5 million people, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and thousands of soldiers over the border to support Ethiopian federal troops. Asmara denies that. 
 
Tigray forces fired rockets into Eritrea at the weekend. 
 
A task force set up by Abiy to handle the government`s response to the crisis said federal troops had "liberated" the town of Alamata from the TPLF." They fled, taking along around 10,000 prisoners," it added, without specifying where those were from. 
 
With communications mainly down and media barred, Reuters could not independently verify assertions made by all sides. 
 
There was no immediate comment from Tigray`s leaders about Alamata, near the border with Amhara state, about 120 km (75 miles) from Tigray`s capital Mekelle. 
 
TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael urged the United Nations and African Union to condemn Ethiopia`s federal troops, accusing them of using of high-tech weaponry including drones in attacks he said smashed a dam and a sugar factory. 
 
"Abiy Ahmed is waging this war on the people of Tigray and he is responsible for the purposeful infliction of human suffering on the people and destruction of major infrastructure projects," he said. 
 
"We are not the initiators of this conflict and it is evident that Abiy Ahmed conducted this war as an attempt to consolidate his personal power," he added, warning that Ethiopia could become a failed state or disintegrate. 
 
The government has previously denied targeting the dam. 
 
It could not be reached for comment about Debretsion`s allegations it had targeted a sugar factory. 
 
 
FIGHTING SPREADS 
 
The fighting has spread beyond Tigray into Ethiopia`s northern region of Amhara, whose local forces are allied with Abiy`s forces. 
 
On Friday, rockets were fired at two airports in Amhara in what the TPLF said was retaliation for government air strikes. Tigray leaders accuse Abiy, who is from the largest Oromo ethnic group, of persecuting them and purging them from government and security forces over the last two years. 
 
He says they rose up against him by attacking a military base. 
 
Amnesty International has denounced the killing of scores and possibly hundreds of civilian labourers in a massacre that both sides have blamed on each other. 
 
The United Nations and others have urged Abiy to negotiate with the Tigrayans and there have been reports Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni`s government could mediate. 
 
Museveni, a former guerrilla leader in power since 1986, tweeted on Monday that he had met Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia`s foreign minister and deputy prime minister, in Uganda. 
 
"A war in Ethiopia would give the entire continent a bad image. There should be negotiations and the conflict stopped, lest it leads to unnecessary loss of lives and cripples the economy," he said. 
 
Ethiopia denied any mediation had begun.The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has around 140,000 personnel and plenty of experience from fighting Islamist militants in Somalia, rebel groups in border regions and a two-decade border standoff with Eritrea. 
 
But many senior officers were Tigrayan, much of its most powerful weaponry is there and the TPLF has seized the powerful Northern Command`s headquarters in Mekelle. There are reports of defections of Tigrayan members of the ENDF. 
 
And the TPLF itself has a formidable history, spearheading the rebel march to Addis Ababa that ousted a Marxist dictatorship in 1991 and bearing the brunt of a 1998-2000 war with Eritrea that killed hundreds of thousands. 
 
Eritrea`s President Isaias Afwerki – a long-time foe of the Tigrayan leaders - controls a vast standing army which the United States` CIA puts at 200,000 personnel. 
 
Abiy once fought alongside the Tigrayans and was a partner in government with them until 2018 when he took office, winning early plaudits for pursuing peace with Eritrea, starting to liberalise the economy and opening a repressive political system.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government said on Monday it had captured another town in the northern Tigray region after nearly two weeks of fighting in a conflict already spilling into Eritrea and destabilising the wider Horn of Africa.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government said on Monday it had captured another town in the northern Tigray region after nearly two weeks of fighting in a conflict already spilling into Eritrea and destabilising the wider Horn of Africa. Hundreds have died, at least 20,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there have been reports of atrocities since Abiy ordered air strikes and a ground offensive against Tigray`s rulers for defying his authority. Also read: Ethiopia seizes town in Tigray, says 10,000 prisoners missing The conflict could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia`s economy, stir up ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around Africa`s second most populous nation, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year for a peace pact with Eritrea. The Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the region of more than 5 million people, has accused Eritrea of sending tanks and thousands of soldiers over the border to support Ethiopian federal troops. Asmara denies that. Tigray forces fired rockets into Eritrea at the weekend. A task force set up by Abiy to handle the government`s response to the crisis said federal troops had "liberated" the town of Alamata from the TPLF." They fled, taking along around 10,000 prisoners," it added, without specifying where those were from. With communications mainly down and media barred, Reuters could not independently verify assertions made by all sides. There was no immediate comment from Tigray`s leaders about Alamata, near the border with Amhara state, about 120 km (75 miles) from Tigray`s capital Mekelle. TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael urged the United Nations and African Union to condemn Ethiopia`s federal troops, accusing them of using of high-tech weaponry including drones in attacks he said smashed a dam and a sugar factory. "Abiy Ahmed is waging this war on the people of Tigray and he is responsible for the purposeful infliction of human suffering on the people and destruction of major infrastructure projects," he said. "We are not the initiators of this conflict and it is evident that Abiy Ahmed conducted this war as an attempt to consolidate his personal power," he added, warning that Ethiopia could become a failed state or disintegrate. The government has previously denied targeting the dam. It could not be reached for comment about Debretsion`s allegations it had targeted a sugar factory. FIGHTING SPREADS The fighting has spread beyond Tigray into Ethiopia`s northern region of Amhara, whose local forces are allied with Abiy`s forces. On Friday, rockets were fired at two airports in Amhara in what the TPLF said was retaliation for government air strikes. Tigray leaders accuse Abiy, who is from the largest Oromo ethnic group, of persecuting them and purging them from government and security forces over the last two years. He says they rose up against him by attacking a military base. Amnesty International has denounced the killing of scores and possibly hundreds of civilian labourers in a massacre that both sides have blamed on each other. The United Nations and others have urged Abiy to negotiate with the Tigrayans and there have been reports Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni`s government could mediate. Museveni, a former guerrilla leader in power since 1986, tweeted on Monday that he had met Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia`s foreign minister and deputy prime minister, in Uganda. "A war in Ethiopia would give the entire continent a bad image. There should be negotiations and the conflict stopped, lest it leads to unnecessary loss of lives and cripples the economy," he said. Ethiopia denied any mediation had begun.The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has around 140,000 personnel and plenty of experience from fighting Islamist militants in Somalia, rebel groups in border regions and a two-decade border standoff with Eritrea. But many senior officers were Tigrayan, much of its most powerful weaponry is there and the TPLF has seized the powerful Northern Command`s headquarters in Mekelle. There are reports of defections of Tigrayan members of the ENDF. And the TPLF itself has a formidable history, spearheading the rebel march to Addis Ababa that ousted a Marxist dictatorship in 1991 and bearing the brunt of a 1998-2000 war with Eritrea that killed hundreds of thousands. Eritrea`s President Isaias Afwerki – a long-time foe of the Tigrayan leaders - controls a vast standing army which the United States` CIA puts at 200,000 personnel. Abiy once fought alongside the Tigrayans and was a partner in government with them until 2018 when he took office, winning early plaudits for pursuing peace with Eritrea, starting to liberalise the economy and opening a repressive political system.

Ethiopia says Tigray town seized, war embroils Eritrea

Rockets from Ethiopia's northern Tigray region hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea on Saturday, signifying Ethiopia's internal conflict had spread beyond its borders.

In a major escalation of an 11-day conflict pitting Ethiopian federal troops against local forces in the northern Tigray region, at least three rockets were fired at Eritrea's capital from Ethiopia on Saturday night. 
&nbsp; 
At least two of the rockets hit Asmara airport, three diplomats said.

Tigray's leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, said on Tuesday that Eritrea had sent troops across the border in support of Ethiopian government forces but provided no evidence.

Ethiopian&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced November 4 he had ordered military operations in Tigray in a dramatic escalation of a long-running feud with the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).&nbsp;

Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed in the conflict in Africa's second most populous country, some in a gruesome massacre documented by Amnesty International.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray, crossing to neighbouring Sudan.&nbsp;

The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of enlisting military support from Eritrea, something Ethiopia denies.&nbsp;

Tigray has been under a communications blackout since the conflict began, and calls to Asmara were not going through Saturday.&nbsp;

The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades and in that time fought a brutal 1998-2000 border war with Eritrea that left tens of thousands dead.

Abiy came to power in 2018 and won the Nobel prize the following year in large part for his effort to initiate a rapprochement with Eritrea.

Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a peace deal two years ago, but Isaias Afwerki's government in Asmara remains hostile to the Tigrayan leadership after its role in a devastating 1998-2000 war.

Late on Friday rockets were fired at two airports in Ethiopia's Amhara state, which has sent troops into Tigray in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in what Tigray’s ruling party said was retaliation for government air strikes against their region.

(with inputs from agencies)

Rockets from Ethiopia's northern Tigray region hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea on Saturday, signifying Ethiopia's internal conflict had spread beyond its borders.

Rockets from Ethiopia's northern Tigray region hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea on Saturday, signifying Ethiopia's internal conflict had spread beyond its borders. In a major escalation of an 11-day conflict pitting Ethiopian federal troops against local forces in the northern Tigray region, at least three rockets were fired at Eritrea's capital from Ethiopia on Saturday night. At least two of the rockets hit Asmara airport, three diplomats said. Tigray's leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, said on Tuesday that Eritrea had sent troops across the border in support of Ethiopian government forces but provided no evidence. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced November 4 he had ordered military operations in Tigray in a dramatic escalation of a long-running feud with the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed in the conflict in Africa's second most populous country, some in a gruesome massacre documented by Amnesty International. Thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray, crossing to neighbouring Sudan. The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of enlisting military support from Eritrea, something Ethiopia denies. Tigray has been under a communications blackout since the conflict began, and calls to Asmara were not going through Saturday. The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades and in that time fought a brutal 1998-2000 border war with Eritrea that left tens of thousands dead. Abiy came to power in 2018 and won the Nobel prize the following year in large part for his effort to initiate a rapprochement with Eritrea. Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a peace deal two years ago, but Isaias Afwerki's government in Asmara remains hostile to the Tigrayan leadership after its role in a devastating 1998-2000 war. Late on Friday rockets were fired at two airports in Ethiopia's Amhara state, which has sent troops into Tigray in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in what Tigray’s ruling party said was retaliation for government air strikes against their region. (with inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia's internal conflict goes beyond its borders, rockets hit Eritrea capital

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"The latest attack is a grim addition to the human cost which we bear collectively," said Daniel Bekele, commission head, as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

The statement also said the bus attack took place in the Debate administrative area, and that "there are reports of similar attacks" in three other regions.&nbsp;

Growing incidents of violence have been reported from Benishangul-Gumuz, especially in Metekel zone, where Debate is located in recent times.&nbsp;

As many as 12 people were killed in an attack in the zone in October, while 15 lost their lives in a similar attack in late September.

The nation is seeing a number of deadly assaults following November 4 order announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to initiate military operations in Tigray, a long-running conflicting region ruled by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

In another development on Sunday, the leader of the Tigray region claimed responsibility for rocket strikes in neighbouring Eritrea's capital airport.&nbsp;

There was not an immediate reaction from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday. "The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP.

At least 34 people killed after gunmen attacked a passenger bus in western Ethiopia, the national human rights body said on Sunday. "The estimated number of casualties, currently at 34, is likely to rise" from the attack which happened on Saturday night in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, a statement from The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, as quoted by news agency AFP. "The latest attack is a grim addition to the human cost which we bear collectively," said Daniel Bekele, commission head, as reported by news agency Reuters. The statement also said the bus attack took place in the Debate administrative area, and that "there are reports of similar attacks" in three other regions. Growing incidents of violence have been reported from Benishangul-Gumuz, especially in Metekel zone, where Debate is located in recent times. As many as 12 people were killed in an attack in the zone in October, while 15 lost their lives in a similar attack in late September. The nation is seeing a number of deadly assaults following November 4 order announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to initiate military operations in Tigray, a long-running conflicting region ruled by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). In another development on Sunday, the leader of the Tigray region claimed responsibility for rocket strikes in neighbouring Eritrea's capital airport. There was not an immediate reaction from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on it.

Ethiopia: At least 34 killed in bus attack

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