Speaking to WION Diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India said," Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment".

Exclusive:  Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India says, "humanitarian aid being delivered"

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum.

"The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International.

"Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity.

"This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict."

Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had&nbsp;been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele.

Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm.&nbsp;

The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara.

Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition.&nbsp;

Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies.

'Killing randomly'

Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting."

"In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." 
Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such.

The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies.

"The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight.

Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot.

(With AFP inputs)

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year.

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum. "The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International. "Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity. "This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict." Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces. Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele. Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm. The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara. Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition. Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies. 'Killing randomly' Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting." "In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such. The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies. "The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight. Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot. (With AFP inputs)

Eritrean soldiers killed 'hundreds' in Ethiopia massacre, says Amnesty

UN has received reports of an increase in sexual violence and abuse in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Tigray region. There has been a high number of reported rapes in the capital, Mekelle.

UN: Disturbing rise in rape in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Tigray region

Political crisis and Civil unrest in Ethiopia's Tigray is no where near an end moreover tensions has now have stared to rise between two neighbours, Ethiopia and Sudan in the latest development Sudan sends additional troops to Ethiopian border.

Tensions intensify between Sudan and Ethiopia

Ethiopia is offering a 10 million birr ($260,000) reward in exchange of information that could help locate leaders of the Tigray region's ruling party TPLF.

Ethiopia offers reward for information on TPLF leaders

The triple threat of conflict, climate change and COVID-19 is driving the crises in nearly all Emergency Watchlist countries, threatening famine in several in 2021.

These countries face the biggest humanitarian crisis in year 2021

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok visited Ethiopia on 13 December, with three senior Sudan government officials reporting that it had a broker's offer for a cease-fire in its northern Tigray region.

Sudanese PM Hamdok made a brief visit to Ethiopia to discuss Tigray conflict

The first non-governmental aid convoy since fighting started arrived in the capital of Ethiopia's northern Tigray region on Saturday, as the government ordered businesses to re-open and officials to return to work.

First NGO aid gets to Ethiopia's Tigray, businesses to re-open

Ethiopian government has announced on Friday that it is now returning back Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps. The U.N has raised concerns over the sudden move by the Ethiopian government. U.N calls out Ethiopia's sudden relocation plan completely unacceptable.

Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies.

"It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said.

Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-returning-eritrean-refugees-to-tigray-camps-un-shows-concern-349234">Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern</a>

Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region. Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies. "It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said. Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries. Also Read | Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines. (With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy arrives in Tigray: Report 

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed retaliated by ordering a military operation which culminated with the overthrow of the local government

Tensions between Ethiopian govt and Tigray forces intensify

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region.

Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon on a mega-highway linking south Ethiopia with Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, alongside Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta, reflecting Ethiopian aspirations to become a regional powerhouse.

"Just like the infrastructure, we should work on peace and security," he said at the border town of Moyale, refraining from mentioning Tigray. "Peace is a foundation for everything we are aspiring to transform (in) the life our people."

War since Nov. 4 between Ethiopia's federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is thought to have killed thousands and displaced more than 950,000 people, according to U.N. estimates, some 50,000 of them into Sudan.

The United Nations agreed a deal with the government last week for safe access to Tigray, home to more than 5 million people, of whom 600,000 needed food aid even before the war.

But the shooting at, and then detention of, a U.N. security team on its way to a refugee camp by Ethiopian federal forces on Sunday highlighted difficulties implementing that deal. The government said the U.N. team had defied two checkpoints.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the problems and said Ethiopia and the United Nations had now agreed on joint missions to assess humanitarian needs.

He said the aim was "to make sure that there is full access to the whole of the territory and full capacity to start a humanitarian operation based on real needs, and without any kind of discrimination."

The conflict may also hurt an economy that had been soaring, albeit from a low base, becoming the world's fastest growing in 2017, driven by agricultural exports and heavy infrastructure spending it hoped would drive a manufacturing boom.

Ethiopia was for years trying to position itself as an emerging industrial hub that would draw its 115 million population - the second largest in Africa - off subsistence farms and into factories.

For more than a decade, the government poured billions of dollars into hydro-electric dams, industrial parks, railways and highways. Then when Abiy took power in 2018, he began opening up sectors like telecoms to private investment.

Those aspirations are now at risk. Instability that began even before the Tigray conflict - due to ethnic clashes and other problems - may scare off investors already skittish about the impact of COVID-19 and rapidly-rising Ethiopian government debt. Foreign textiles firms worry about existing investments.

'WORRYING, VOLATILE'

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in Geneva that events in Tigray were still "worrying and volatile" and called for civilians to be protected.

"Fighting continues between federal forces and the TPLF, and affiliated militias on both sides," she told reporters, citing clashes near the towns of Mekelle, Sherero, Axum and Abiy Addi.

A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TPLF leaders could not be reached.

Guterres said the United Nations had information about "sporadic fighting in different areas of the country," but also that in the past few days there had been "an increase of security and control." He said he could not "fully confirm" the information.

Abiy declared victory after capturing the regional capital Mekelle, but TPLF leaders say their combat continues from surrounding hills.

About 1,000 federal soldiers held by the TPLF, some of whom were abducted on Nov. 3, the day before the war erupted, were freed in an operation by the federal army and police, state-controlled media said late on Wednesday, without elaborating.

Both sides' claims are difficult to check, as most communications in Tigray are down and access is severely restricted. Journalists need a permit to travel outside the capital Addis Ababa.

The United States believes Eritrean soldiers have crossed into Ethiopia to help Abiy's government, despite denials from both nations, a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats told Reuters.

Abiy and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace pact ending two decades of hostilities in 2018 and now regard the TPLF as a mutual foe.

"We have no proof of the presence of Eritrean troops inside Ethiopia," said Guterres. "I confronted the prime minister with that question, and he guaranteed to me that they have not entered Tigrayan territory."

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region.

Ethiopia's prime minister shifted focus away from war on Wednesday, opening a cross-border highway to Kenya at the opposite end of his country, while the United Nations voiced alarm at continuing fighting in the northern Tigray region. Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon on a mega-highway linking south Ethiopia with Kenya's Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, alongside Kenyan counterpart President Uhuru Kenyatta, reflecting Ethiopian aspirations to become a regional powerhouse. "Just like the infrastructure, we should work on peace and security," he said at the border town of Moyale, refraining from mentioning Tigray. "Peace is a foundation for everything we are aspiring to transform (in) the life our people." War since Nov. 4 between Ethiopia's federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is thought to have killed thousands and displaced more than 950,000 people, according to U.N. estimates, some 50,000 of them into Sudan. The United Nations agreed a deal with the government last week for safe access to Tigray, home to more than 5 million people, of whom 600,000 needed food aid even before the war. But the shooting at, and then detention of, a U.N. security team on its way to a refugee camp by Ethiopian federal forces on Sunday highlighted difficulties implementing that deal. The government said the U.N. team had defied two checkpoints. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the problems and said Ethiopia and the United Nations had now agreed on joint missions to assess humanitarian needs. He said the aim was "to make sure that there is full access to the whole of the territory and full capacity to start a humanitarian operation based on real needs, and without any kind of discrimination." The conflict may also hurt an economy that had been soaring, albeit from a low base, becoming the world's fastest growing in 2017, driven by agricultural exports and heavy infrastructure spending it hoped would drive a manufacturing boom. Ethiopia was for years trying to position itself as an emerging industrial hub that would draw its 115 million population - the second largest in Africa - off subsistence farms and into factories. For more than a decade, the government poured billions of dollars into hydro-electric dams, industrial parks, railways and highways. Then when Abiy took power in 2018, he began opening up sectors like telecoms to private investment. Those aspirations are now at risk. Instability that began even before the Tigray conflict - due to ethnic clashes and other problems - may scare off investors already skittish about the impact of COVID-19 and rapidly-rising Ethiopian government debt. Foreign textiles firms worry about existing investments. 'WORRYING, VOLATILE' U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said in Geneva that events in Tigray were still "worrying and volatile" and called for civilians to be protected. "Fighting continues between federal forces and the TPLF, and affiliated militias on both sides," she told reporters, citing clashes near the towns of Mekelle, Sherero, Axum and Abiy Addi. A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. TPLF leaders could not be reached. Guterres said the United Nations had information about "sporadic fighting in different areas of the country," but also that in the past few days there had been "an increase of security and control." He said he could not "fully confirm" the information. Abiy declared victory after capturing the regional capital Mekelle, but TPLF leaders say their combat continues from surrounding hills. About 1,000 federal soldiers held by the TPLF, some of whom were abducted on Nov. 3, the day before the war erupted, were freed in an operation by the federal army and police, state-controlled media said late on Wednesday, without elaborating. Both sides' claims are difficult to check, as most communications in Tigray are down and access is severely restricted. Journalists need a permit to travel outside the capital Addis Ababa. The United States believes Eritrean soldiers have crossed into Ethiopia to help Abiy's government, despite denials from both nations, a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats told Reuters. Abiy and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace pact ending two decades of hostilities in 2018 and now regard the TPLF as a mutual foe. "We have no proof of the presence of Eritrean troops inside Ethiopia," said Guterres. "I confronted the prime minister with that question, and he guaranteed to me that they have not entered Tigrayan territory."

Ethiopia shifts focus from war to economy, UN worries about Tigray

Ethiopia's federal government is inching closer to victory in Tigray, where violence between the government and regional militia has triggered a refugee crisis in the region, and has caused a media blackout. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is receiving help from neighbour - a longtime foe who recently joined in to help.

Ethiopia's war within has now escalated into a regional conflict, and neighbouring countries are taking sides. Eritrea, a former foe, is assisting prime minister Ahmed by sending soldiers to battle the local militia in Tigray.

Diplomats stationed in the region stand by this account. But officially, both sides have denied Eritrean involvement. Until recently - Ethiopia and Eritrea were sworn enemies. In 2018, they signed a peace deal putting a two-decade conflict to rest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-says-un-team-shot-at-in-tigray-after-defying-checkpoints-348465" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says UN team shot at in Tigray after defying checkpoints</a>

Abiy Ahmed was the architect of this peace, for which he also received a Nobel Peace Prize. Now, the two governments are closer than ever and liberated against The Tigray People's Liberation Front. Satellite images show Eritrean troops and artillery across the border. Eye-witness accounts put Eritrean troops on the battlefield.

As one US Official put it - The Eritreans are in Tigray - but they aren't saying it publicly. A senior diplomat believes thousands of Eritreans have been deployed to the region.

A former Eritrean defence minister claimed that his country has deployed four mechanised divisions, seven infantry divisions, and a commando brigade in Tigray. But the Eritrean soldiers are proving to be an unruly lot. On Sunday - they accosted a United Nations team in Tigray.

The UN officials were fired at, and detained. But Ethiopian authorities defended the soldiers, pinning the blame on the UN officials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/fighting-flares-in-ethiopias-tigray-as-army-says-closing-in-on-rebellious-force-347855" hreflang="en">Fighting flares in Ethiopia's Tigray as army says closing in on rebellious force</a>

Eritrea's involvement puts the international community in a tight spot because Ethiopia is a key ally of the west, and remains crucial to maintaining peace in the horn of Africa. On the other hand, the Eritrean regime is infamous for human rights violations.

So while the global community has tolerated the operations in Tigray, Eritrean involvement could prove to be a red line.

Ethiopia's federal government is inching closer to victory in Tigray, where violence between the government and regional militia has triggered a refugee crisis in the region, and has caused a media blackout.

Ethiopia's federal government is inching closer to victory in Tigray, where violence between the government and regional militia has triggered a refugee crisis in the region, and has caused a media blackout. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is receiving help from neighbour - a longtime foe who recently joined in to help. Ethiopia's war within has now escalated into a regional conflict, and neighbouring countries are taking sides. Eritrea, a former foe, is assisting prime minister Ahmed by sending soldiers to battle the local militia in Tigray. Diplomats stationed in the region stand by this account. But officially, both sides have denied Eritrean involvement. Until recently - Ethiopia and Eritrea were sworn enemies. In 2018, they signed a peace deal putting a two-decade conflict to rest. Also read: Ethiopia says UN team shot at in Tigray after defying checkpoints Abiy Ahmed was the architect of this peace, for which he also received a Nobel Peace Prize. Now, the two governments are closer than ever and liberated against The Tigray People's Liberation Front. Satellite images show Eritrean troops and artillery across the border. Eye-witness accounts put Eritrean troops on the battlefield. As one US Official put it - The Eritreans are in Tigray - but they aren't saying it publicly. A senior diplomat believes thousands of Eritreans have been deployed to the region. A former Eritrean defence minister claimed that his country has deployed four mechanised divisions, seven infantry divisions, and a commando brigade in Tigray. But the Eritrean soldiers are proving to be an unruly lot. On Sunday - they accosted a United Nations team in Tigray. The UN officials were fired at, and detained. But Ethiopian authorities defended the soldiers, pinning the blame on the UN officials. Also read: Fighting flares in Ethiopia's Tigray as army says closing in on rebellious force Eritrea's involvement puts the international community in a tight spot because Ethiopia is a key ally of the west, and remains crucial to maintaining peace in the horn of Africa. On the other hand, the Eritrean regime is infamous for human rights violations. So while the global community has tolerated the operations in Tigray, Eritrean involvement could prove to be a red line.

Ethiopia and Eritrea - former foes now united against local militias in Tigray

A U.S. government source confirmed Washington’s growing consensus, which has not previously been reported but matches accounts by some residents, refugees and TPLF leaders

Has Eritrea entered the Ethiopian war?

Ethiopia federal forces have claimed that they have captured & killed some of the commanders of Tigrayan forces, while Tigray’s fugitive local leader said civilians were protesting against looting by occupying soldiers.

Ethiopia claims to have captured & killed Tigrayan leaders

The United Nations on Friday said that fighting continued in many parts of Ethiopia's Tigray is complicating the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid despite a deal granting the UN access to territory under federal control.

UN: Tigray fighting hampers aid delivery despite deal

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-tigray-fighting-hampers-aid-delivery-despite-deal-347633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-united-nations-agree-on-humanitarian-access-to-war-hit-tigray-347175">Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray</a>

"We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government.&nbsp;

However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week.&nbsp;

"Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. &nbsp;

The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan.&nbsp;

The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.

The United Nations on Friday said that the fighting in the conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia still continues, hampering the efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. Last week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory a month after the fighting began, causing bombings, ground combat, among other things by both the sides. Watch | However, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) vowed to continue fighting. Also read | Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray "We have reports of fighting still going on in many parts of Tigray. This is concerning and it's a complex situation for us," Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN's humanitarian coordination office told news agency AFP. The UN on Wednesday said it had reached a deal to carry out aid work in areas of Tigray that were run by the government. However, three UN officials confirmed to AFP that security assessments are ongoing and aid was not expected to come before next week. "Basically, at the moment there is no access," an official said. The conflict in Tigray has caused a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people have already lost their lives and tens of thousands are seeking refuge in Sudan. The UN has also been warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray continues; humanitarian aid stalled: UN

More than 45,000 refugees have crossed into neighbouring Sudan, while many more have been displaced within Tigray

An act of kindness: Kanoush devotes his free time helping other Ethiopian refugees

Ethiopia and the United Nations have agreed to channel humanitarian access&nbsp;to the northern region of Tigray.

Federal troops have been battling the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and have captured the regional capital Mekelle. A month of war is believed to have killed thousands of combatants and civilians in the region.

The accord "seeks to enable unimpeded, sustained and secure access for humanitarian personnel and services in areas under the control of the federal government in Tigray and the bordering areas of Amhara and Afar regions", Xinhua news agency quoted the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as saying in a statement on Wednesday. 
 
An assessment and response mission already is under way to the east in Afar`s border areas to reach the internally displaced. 
 
"We, along with our humanitarian partners in Ethiopia, are engaging with the federal government and all parties to the conflict to ensure that humanitarian action in Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions is strictly based on needs," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 
 
The agreement aims to help people without distinction of any kind other than the urgency of their needs, Dujarric told a regular press briefing. 
 
The world organization and humanitarian partners have been seeking access to the affected areas for weeks. 
 
More than 800,000 people are already in urgent need of assistance in Tigray, including about 96,000 Eritrean refugees and nearly 600,000 people who were relying on food aid, humanitarians said. 
 
About 46,000 people fled into Sudan, the UN Refugee Agency reported earlier in the week. 
&nbsp;

The pact announced by UN officials will allow relief into government-controlled areas of Tigray.

The Ethiopian conflict has forced more than 45,000 refugees to flee into Sudan, displaced many more within Tigray and worsened suffering in a region where 600,000 people already depended on food aid even before hostilities broke out on November 4.

Four Ethiopian employees of two foreign aid agencies were killed in a camp for Eritrean refugees in Tigray last month, a humanitarian and a diplomatic source said.

Also, food is said to be running out for 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray who have fled repression in their own country, and medics in Mekelle are falling short of painkillers, gloves and bodybags, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory after the fall of Mekelle on Saturday, but there has has been little verifiable information from the highland city of 500,000 people since.

TPLF leaders fled for the hills, from where they say they continue to fight.

Abiy, who hails from the larger Oromo and Amharic ethic groups, calls the Tigrayan leaders criminals opposing national unity and plotting attacks in Addis Ababa and elsewhere.

Federal police blamed the TPLF, without proof, for a small blast in the capital on Wednesday that injured an officer lightly. There was no immediate response from the TPLF.

"Wars are not like taps that you turn on and then turn off. This is going to be a very long, drawn-out process," Horn of Africa expert Rashid Abdi told an online forum.

(with inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia and the United Nations have agreed to channel humanitarian access to the northern region of Tigray. Federal troops have been battling the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and have captured the regional capital Mekelle.

Ethiopia and the United Nations have agreed to channel humanitarian access to the northern region of Tigray. Federal troops have been battling the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and have captured the regional capital Mekelle. A month of war is believed to have killed thousands of combatants and civilians in the region. The accord "seeks to enable unimpeded, sustained and secure access for humanitarian personnel and services in areas under the control of the federal government in Tigray and the bordering areas of Amhara and Afar regions", Xinhua news agency quoted the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as saying in a statement on Wednesday. An assessment and response mission already is under way to the east in Afar`s border areas to reach the internally displaced. "We, along with our humanitarian partners in Ethiopia, are engaging with the federal government and all parties to the conflict to ensure that humanitarian action in Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions is strictly based on needs," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The agreement aims to help people without distinction of any kind other than the urgency of their needs, Dujarric told a regular press briefing. The world organization and humanitarian partners have been seeking access to the affected areas for weeks. More than 800,000 people are already in urgent need of assistance in Tigray, including about 96,000 Eritrean refugees and nearly 600,000 people who were relying on food aid, humanitarians said. About 46,000 people fled into Sudan, the UN Refugee Agency reported earlier in the week. The pact announced by UN officials will allow relief into government-controlled areas of Tigray. The Ethiopian conflict has forced more than 45,000 refugees to flee into Sudan, displaced many more within Tigray and worsened suffering in a region where 600,000 people already depended on food aid even before hostilities broke out on November 4. Four Ethiopian employees of two foreign aid agencies were killed in a camp for Eritrean refugees in Tigray last month, a humanitarian and a diplomatic source said. Also, food is said to be running out for 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray who have fled repression in their own country, and medics in Mekelle are falling short of painkillers, gloves and bodybags, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory after the fall of Mekelle on Saturday, but there has has been little verifiable information from the highland city of 500,000 people since. TPLF leaders fled for the hills, from where they say they continue to fight. Abiy, who hails from the larger Oromo and Amharic ethic groups, calls the Tigrayan leaders criminals opposing national unity and plotting attacks in Addis Ababa and elsewhere. Federal police blamed the TPLF, without proof, for a small blast in the capital on Wednesday that injured an officer lightly. There was no immediate response from the TPLF. "Wars are not like taps that you turn on and then turn off. This is going to be a very long, drawn-out process," Horn of Africa expert Rashid Abdi told an online forum. (with inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia, United Nations agree on humanitarian access to war-hit Tigray

Ethiopian govt has claimed that TPLF Executive Committee Member Keria Ibrahim linked to the rebellion in the northern region of Tigray has surrendered.

Ethiopia Govt: TPLF EC Member Keria Ibrahim surrenders to federal forces

Ethiopian govt has claimed that 1 of 9 senior politician linked to the rebellion in the northern region of Tigray has surrendered.

Ethiopia Govt: 1 of 9 TPLF executive committee leader surrendered

The ongoing civil unrest in Ethiopia's Tigray provinces unleashed massive damage to both life & property. Hospitals in the region faced an influx of trauma patients a day after federal troops claimed control of the city and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said fighting was over.

Ethiopia Civil Unrest: Tigray witnesses an influx of trauma patients

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the end of military operations in the northern Tigray region after saying it was in "full control" of the regional capital, Mekele.

Ethiopia declares victory as army takes control over Tigray capital

The Ethiopian government launched a manhunt on Sunday for leaders of a rebellious faction in the northern region of Tigray after announcing federal troops had taken over the regional capital and military operations were complete. 
 
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed government has been trying to quell a rebellion by the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), a powerful ethnically-based party that dominated the central government from 1991 until Abiy came to power in 2018. 
 
He said on Saturday evening federal troops had taken control of the Tigrayan capital Mekelle within hours of launching an offensive there, laying to rest fears of protracted fighting in the city of 500,000 people. 
 
The prime minister, who refers to the three-week-old conflict as an internal law and order matter and has rebuffed international offers of mediation, said federal police will try to arrest TPLF "criminals" and bring them to court. 
 
However, TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters in a text message on Saturday evening that TPLF forces would fight on, raising the prospect that the conflict could drag on. 
 
Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and nearly 44,000 have fled to Sudan since the fighting began on Nov. 4. The conflict has been another test for Abiy, who took office two years ago and is trying to hold together a patchwork of ethnic groups that make up Ethiopia`s 115 million people. 
 
The flow of refugees and attacks by the TPLF on neighbouring Eritrea have also threatened to destabilize the wider Horn of Africa region. 
 
Claims from all sides are difficult to verify since phone and internet links to Tigray have been down and access tightly controlled since the fighting began. 
 
The police late on Saturday issued arrest warrants for 17 more military officers charged with crimes in connection with the conflict that include treason and embezzlement of public properties, state-affiliated Fana TV reported. They add to the 117 warrants issued for senior military officers it says are connected to TPLF since the conflict broke out. 
 
It was not clear if any TPLF leaders had surrendered, their whereabouts or their next plans. 
 
"Their brutality can only add (to) our resolve to fight these invaders to the last," the TPLF`s Debretsion told Reuters in a text message on Saturday. 
 
Asked by Reuters if that meant his forces would continue fighting, he replied: “Certainly. This is about defending our right to self determination.” 
 
Debretsion said in another text message that Tigrayan forces were withdrawing from around Mekelle. 
 
HISTORY OF RESISTANCE 
 
Regional diplomats and experts have warned that a rapid military victory might not signal the end of the conflict. 
 
The TPLF has a history of guerrilla resistance. Tigray`s mountainous terrain and borders with Sudan and Eritrea helped the TPLF during its long struggle against Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam, whom it eventually toppled in 1991. 
 
The TPLF and Eritrean forces fought together against Mengistu, but relations later soured after Eritrea became independent in 1993. The two nations fought over a border dispute in 1998-2000 and the TPLF sees Eritrea as a mortal enemy. 
 
Eritrea signed a peace deal with Abiy in 2018, and the prime minister won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. 
 
EXPLOSIONS IN ERITREA`S CAPITAL 
 
Six explosions were reported in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, on Saturday night, the U.S. State Department said, although it was not immediately clear if they were related to the Tigray conflict. The State Department post did not mention the cause or location of the explosions. 
 
Tigrayan forces fired rockets at Eritrea on Nov. 14. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach the Eritrean government or Tigrayan forces for comment. 
 
The TPLF, which denounces Abiy`s warm relations with Eritrea, has accused Eritrea of sending troops to Tigray to join the Ethiopian government`s fight. 
 
It has not been possible to contact the Eritrean government for comment on this. 
 
The TPLF also accuses Abiy of wanting to centralise control at the expense of Ethiopia`s 10 regions. The constitution grants the regions wide-ranging powers over matters like taxation and security. 
 
Abiy has denied he wants to centralise power. 
 
This year, Abiy postponed elections scheduled for August to next year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling this a power grab, the TPLF held its own regional elections in September and announced it no longer recognised federal authority. Abiy`s government declared the Tigray election illegal.

The Ethiopian government launched a manhunt on Sunday for leaders of a rebellious faction in the northern region of Tigray after announcing federal troops had taken over the regional capital and military operations were complete.

The Ethiopian government launched a manhunt on Sunday for leaders of a rebellious faction in the northern region of Tigray after announcing federal troops had taken over the regional capital and military operations were complete. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed government has been trying to quell a rebellion by the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), a powerful ethnically-based party that dominated the central government from 1991 until Abiy came to power in 2018. He said on Saturday evening federal troops had taken control of the Tigrayan capital Mekelle within hours of launching an offensive there, laying to rest fears of protracted fighting in the city of 500,000 people. The prime minister, who refers to the three-week-old conflict as an internal law and order matter and has rebuffed international offers of mediation, said federal police will try to arrest TPLF "criminals" and bring them to court. However, TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters in a text message on Saturday evening that TPLF forces would fight on, raising the prospect that the conflict could drag on. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and nearly 44,000 have fled to Sudan since the fighting began on Nov. 4. The conflict has been another test for Abiy, who took office two years ago and is trying to hold together a patchwork of ethnic groups that make up Ethiopia`s 115 million people. The flow of refugees and attacks by the TPLF on neighbouring Eritrea have also threatened to destabilize the wider Horn of Africa region. Claims from all sides are difficult to verify since phone and internet links to Tigray have been down and access tightly controlled since the fighting began. The police late on Saturday issued arrest warrants for 17 more military officers charged with crimes in connection with the conflict that include treason and embezzlement of public properties, state-affiliated Fana TV reported. They add to the 117 warrants issued for senior military officers it says are connected to TPLF since the conflict broke out. It was not clear if any TPLF leaders had surrendered, their whereabouts or their next plans. "Their brutality can only add (to) our resolve to fight these invaders to the last," the TPLF`s Debretsion told Reuters in a text message on Saturday. Asked by Reuters if that meant his forces would continue fighting, he replied: “Certainly. This is about defending our right to self determination.” Debretsion said in another text message that Tigrayan forces were withdrawing from around Mekelle. HISTORY OF RESISTANCE Regional diplomats and experts have warned that a rapid military victory might not signal the end of the conflict. The TPLF has a history of guerrilla resistance. Tigray`s mountainous terrain and borders with Sudan and Eritrea helped the TPLF during its long struggle against Marxist dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam, whom it eventually toppled in 1991. The TPLF and Eritrean forces fought together against Mengistu, but relations later soured after Eritrea became independent in 1993. The two nations fought over a border dispute in 1998-2000 and the TPLF sees Eritrea as a mortal enemy. Eritrea signed a peace deal with Abiy in 2018, and the prime minister won the Nobel Peace Prize last year. EXPLOSIONS IN ERITREA`S CAPITAL Six explosions were reported in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, on Saturday night, the U.S. State Department said, although it was not immediately clear if they were related to the Tigray conflict. The State Department post did not mention the cause or location of the explosions. Tigrayan forces fired rockets at Eritrea on Nov. 14. Reuters was unable to reach the Eritrean government or Tigrayan forces for comment. The TPLF, which denounces Abiy`s warm relations with Eritrea, has accused Eritrea of sending troops to Tigray to join the Ethiopian government`s fight. It has not been possible to contact the Eritrean government for comment on this. The TPLF also accuses Abiy of wanting to centralise control at the expense of Ethiopia`s 10 regions. The constitution grants the regions wide-ranging powers over matters like taxation and security. Abiy has denied he wants to centralise power. This year, Abiy postponed elections scheduled for August to next year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calling this a power grab, the TPLF held its own regional elections in September and announced it no longer recognised federal authority. Abiy`s government declared the Tigray election illegal.

Ethiopia says military operation in Tigray region is over, hunt for regional leaders begins

Ethiopia claimed victory in its conflict with the restive region of Tigray on Sunday

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed claims victory in Tigray conflict

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability.

Egypt, Africa's third-most populous nation, relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies and wants a legally binding treaty on how Ethiopia can use the Blue Nile's waters. According to officials, President Sisi and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, will discuss bilateral issues and exchange views on regional stability, as well as deepening South Sudan's and Egypt's diplomatic ties.

South Sudan's cabinet recently decided to change the country's currency in order to improve the economy. On November 17, the International Monetary Fund said it had approved a $52.3 million rapid credit facility to South Sudan to help it limit the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Sudan's economy is still buckling from the damage caused by years of civil war between government forces under Kiir and those allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The fighting hit oil production, which is now also being affected by low prices for crude.

(With Reuters inputs)

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability.

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in South Sudan on Saturday (November 28) amid rising tension and instability in the region. The conflict between Ethiopia and Ethiopian region of Tigray is spiraling into neighbouring countrires and threatening regional stability. Egypt, Africa's third-most populous nation, relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its fresh water supplies and wants a legally binding treaty on how Ethiopia can use the Blue Nile's waters. According to officials, President Sisi and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, will discuss bilateral issues and exchange views on regional stability, as well as deepening South Sudan's and Egypt's diplomatic ties. South Sudan's cabinet recently decided to change the country's currency in order to improve the economy. On November 17, the International Monetary Fund said it had approved a $52.3 million rapid credit facility to South Sudan to help it limit the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Sudan's economy is still buckling from the damage caused by years of civil war between government forces under Kiir and those allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The fighting hit oil production, which is now also being affected by low prices for crude. (With Reuters inputs)

Egypt president arrives in South Sudan amid rising regional tensions

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday again declined the proposal to hold talks with rebel leaders of the Tigray region.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed rejects dialogue with Tigray leaders

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there.

But a statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting that began on November&nbsp;04.

The government had given the TPLF until Wednesday to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the regional capital of 500,000 people, raising fears among aid groups of extensive civilian casualties.

In a statement issued after Abiy met the African Union envoys — former presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa — the prime minister`s office said the government was committed to the "protection and security of civilians".

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The statement thanked the envoys for imparting their "wisdom, insights, and readiness to support in any way they are needed" and did not mention any plans for further discussions with them.

The envoys had been sent to Addis Ababa to help mediate in the conflict, something that Abiy had already made clear he did not want.

The prime minister, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for ending a two-decade standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not talk to TPLF leaders until they are defeated or give up.

Thousands of people are already believed to have been killed following airstrikes and ground fighting. The United Nations estimates 1.1 million Ethiopians will need aid as a result of the conflict.

The bloodshed has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa. More than 43,000 refugees have fled to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea.

Reuters was unable to reach the TPLF for comment on Friday morning, but two diplomats said fighting raged in several areas outside Mekelle. A resident of Mekelle said the city itself was quiet on Thursday night. The United Nations says 200 aid workers are in the city.

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With phone and internet connections shut off to the region and access to the area tightly controlled, verifying claims by all sides has been impossible.

Pamphlets

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said on Thursday the government was trying to make people in the city aware of the military operation.

"We have made the people of Mekelle to be aware of the operation by deploying military helicopters and dropping pamphlets in Tigrinya and also in Amharic so that they protect themselves against this," he told France24.

Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said such efforts were not akin to protecting civilians from harm.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-ethiopia-fighting-destabilising-region-urges-ceasefire-345230">EU says Ethiopia fighting destabilising region, urges ceasefire</a>

He also said on Twitter that "with evidence mounting of atrocities committed by both sides in Ethiopia`s Tigray province, it`s essential to send in international investigators now".

Rights investigators and civilians fleeing the conflict say fighters from both sides, including civilian militias supporting more formal security forces, have carried out mass killings. Both the government and the TPLF deny their forces were involved.

Abiy`s office said on Thursday that authorities were opening a humanitarian access route, but the U.N. said it had no information on that and the region was blocked to aid groups.

Tigrayans, who make up about 6% of Ethiopia`s 115 million population, dominated the government until Abiy took power two years ago.

Abiy pledged to unite Ethiopians and introduce freedoms after years of state repression that filled jails with tens of thousands of political prisoners. His government also put senior Tigrayan officials on trial for crimes such as corruption, torture and murder. The region saw those trials as discrimination.

Abiy’s reforms created more political space but also lifted the lid on long-repressed tensions over land and resources. In September, before the Tigray hostilities began, the U.N. migration agency IOM said conflict had displaced more than 1.2 million Ethiopians around the country.

Abiy accuses Tigrayan leaders of starting the war by attacking federal troops at a base in Tigray three weeks ago. The TPLF say the attack was a pre-emptive strike.

Tigrayan forces have large stocks of military hardware and number up to 250,000 men, experts say, while the region has a history of guerrilla resistance.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government will protect civilians in the northern region of Tigray, he told African peace envoys on Friday, a day after he announced the military was beginning the "final phase" of an offensive there. But a statement issued after their meeting made no mention of talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to end fighting that began on November 04. The government had given the TPLF until Wednesday to lay down their arms or face an assault on Mekelle, the regional capital of 500,000 people, raising fears among aid groups of extensive civilian casualties. In a statement issued after Abiy met the African Union envoys — former presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa — the prime minister`s office said the government was committed to the "protection and security of civilians". × The statement thanked the envoys for imparting their "wisdom, insights, and readiness to support in any way they are needed" and did not mention any plans for further discussions with them. The envoys had been sent to Addis Ababa to help mediate in the conflict, something that Abiy had already made clear he did not want. The prime minister, who won last year's Nobel Peace Prize for ending a two-decade standoff with Eritrea, has said he will not talk to TPLF leaders until they are defeated or give up. Thousands of people are already believed to have been killed following airstrikes and ground fighting. The United Nations estimates 1.1 million Ethiopians will need aid as a result of the conflict. The bloodshed has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa. More than 43,000 refugees have fled to Sudan. TPLF rockets have hit the capital of neighbouring Eritrea. Reuters was unable to reach the TPLF for comment on Friday morning, but two diplomats said fighting raged in several areas outside Mekelle. A resident of Mekelle said the city itself was quiet on Thursday night. The United Nations says 200 aid workers are in the city. × With phone and internet connections shut off to the region and access to the area tightly controlled, verifying claims by all sides has been impossible. Pamphlets Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said on Thursday the government was trying to make people in the city aware of the military operation. "We have made the people of Mekelle to be aware of the operation by deploying military helicopters and dropping pamphlets in Tigrinya and also in Amharic so that they protect themselves against this," he told France24. Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, said such efforts were not akin to protecting civilians from harm. Also read| EU says Ethiopia fighting destabilising region, urges ceasefire He also said on Twitter that "with evidence mounting of atrocities committed by both sides in Ethiopia`s Tigray province, it`s essential to send in international investigators now". Rights investigators and civilians fleeing the conflict say fighters from both sides, including civilian militias supporting more formal security forces, have carried out mass killings. Both the government and the TPLF deny their forces were involved. Abiy`s office said on Thursday that authorities were opening a humanitarian access route, but the U.N. said it had no information on that and the region was blocked to aid groups. Tigrayans, who make up about 6% of Ethiopia`s 115 million population, dominated the government until Abiy took power two years ago. Abiy pledged to unite Ethiopians and introduce freedoms after years of state repression that filled jails with tens of thousands of political prisoners. His government also put senior Tigrayan officials on trial for crimes such as corruption, torture and murder. The region saw those trials as discrimination. Abiy’s reforms created more political space but also lifted the lid on long-repressed tensions over land and resources. In September, before the Tigray hostilities began, the U.N. migration agency IOM said conflict had displaced more than 1.2 million Ethiopians around the country. Abiy accuses Tigrayan leaders of starting the war by attacking federal troops at a base in Tigray three weeks ago. The TPLF say the attack was a pre-emptive strike. Tigrayan forces have large stocks of military hardware and number up to 250,000 men, experts say, while the region has a history of guerrilla resistance.

Ethiopian PM tells African envoys he will protect civilians in Tigray

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

The situation in northern Ethiopia escalated on November 3, when militants of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front attacked the Northern Command’s facilities

Abiy Ahmed: Will receive envoys but not talk with TPLF

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

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