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

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4.

Watch:

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-violence-has-put-23-million-children-in-crisis-unicef-344285">Ethiopian</a> forces said they had seized another town as they advance towards the capital of the northern Tigray region.

The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF&nbsp;dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts.

The federal forces said they had taken control of several towns including Aksum and Adigrat which is north Mekelle even as there were reports of rocket attack on Bahir Dar which is the capital of Asmara region.

Tigray forces had earlier accused the government of bombing a university in capital Mekelle.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tigray forces had fired rockets at two airports in Amhara as the fighting escalated.

The fighting has created a humanitarian crisis as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/full-scale-humanitarian-crisis-unfolding-in-ethiopia-united-nations-343745">UNHCR</a> said 31,000 refugees had already reached Sudan as UN chief Antonio Guterres had warned about "dramatic humanitarian impact".

"Our forces have now fully liberated Adigrat town from TPLF militia as of today," Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-carries-out-air-strikes-in-tigray-pm-says-surrender-ultimatum-over-343644">Abiy Ahmed</a> who had won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, said, adding, "Together with the rest of Ethiopia, we will work to ensure that all humanitarian needs will be addressed."

"The overall safety and well-being of the people of Tigray is of paramount importance to the Federal government and we will do all that is necessary to ensure stability prevails in the Tigray region and that our citizens are free from harm and want," Abiy Ahmed asserted.

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4.

Ethiopia's government said its forces have been advancing towards Tigray region on Saturday after PM Abiy Ahmed unleashed a military campaign against the Tigray People's Liberation Front(TPLF) on November 4. Watch: The Ethiopian forces said they had seized another town as they advance towards the capital of the northern Tigray region. 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. The federal forces said they had taken control of several towns including Aksum and Adigrat which is north Mekelle even as there were reports of rocket attack on Bahir Dar which is the capital of Asmara region. Tigray forces had earlier accused the government of bombing a university in capital Mekelle. Earlier, Tigray forces had fired rockets at two airports in Amhara as the fighting escalated. The fighting has created a humanitarian crisis as the UNHCR said 31,000 refugees had already reached Sudan as UN chief Antonio Guterres had warned about "dramatic humanitarian impact". "Our forces have now fully liberated Adigrat town from TPLF militia as of today," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who had won last year's Nobel Peace Prize, said, adding, "Together with the rest of Ethiopia, we will work to ensure that all humanitarian needs will be addressed." "The overall safety and well-being of the people of Tigray is of paramount importance to the Federal government and we will do all that is necessary to ensure stability prevails in the Tigray region and that our citizens are free from harm and want," Abiy Ahmed asserted.

Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation

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

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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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

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

Ethiopia's Tigray region has claimed responsibility for rocket strikes on airport in Eritrea, a country bordering Ethiopia. This has raised fears of a wider conflict in Africa that started with one between Ethiopia and its own Tigray region. AFP quoted diplomats on Saturday to say that multiple rockets had struck Eritrea's capital Asmara and landed near the airport.

The conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray region has already caused a humanitarian crisis that has seen more than 14,000 people fleeing their homes to neighbouring Sudan, a country that is not fully equipped to handle the population.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 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).

"Ethiopian forces are also using the airport of Asmara," TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told AFP Sunday, saying this made the airport a "legitimate target" for the strikes.

He added that his forces had also been fighting "16 divisions" of Eritrean forces in recent days "in several fronts".

The TPLF has previously accused Abiy's government of enlisting military support from Eritrea, something Ethiopia denies.&nbsp;

There was no immediate response from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on Sunday.

It was not clear how many rockets were fired on Saturday night, where in Tigray they were fired from, whether they hit their targets or what damage they inflicted.

The United States embassy in Asmara posted an advisory to its website Sunday about "a series of loud noises" at around 7:50 pm Saturday night.&nbsp;

"Unconfirmed reports indicate they may have been explosive devices believed to be in the vicinity of the Asmara International Airport. There are no indications the airport was struck," the advisory said.&nbsp;

The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades and fought a brutal 1998-2000 border war with Eritrea that left tens of thousands dead.&nbsp;

Abiy came to power in 2018 and won the Nobel Peace Prize the following year in large part for his effort to initiate a rapprochement with Eritrea.

Fleeing refugees

Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed so far in the conflict in Africa's second most populous country, some in a gruesome massacre documented last week by Amnesty International.&nbsp;

Over 20,000 Ethiopians have fled as refugees into Sudan, a figure that continues to rise, Sudanese officials say.

Among them are Ethiopians returning to camps where they and their families sought refuge from devastating famine decades ago.

To cross the river at the two countries' border, they climb into small boats crammed with other exhausted and terrified Ethiopians seeking safety.

"I am filled with immeasurable sadness, because when I left, 20 years ago, I never thought that I would come back as a miserable refugee," said Gabriel, a 40-year-old farmer who arrived in eastern Sudan this week, asking to be identified by his first name because he feared for his safety.

Back in Ethiopia, the UN is pushing for full humanitarian access to Tigray, where Debretsion says hundreds of thousands have been displaced internally by fighting that has featured multiple rounds of government air strikes.

Conflicting narratives

Ever since Abiy took power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, the TPLF has complained of being sidelined and scapegoated for Ethiopia's woes.

The feud grew more intense after Tigray went ahead with its own elections in September -- defying a nationwide ban on all polls imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic -- and tried to brand him an illegitimate ruler.

The immediate catalyst for the military operations in Tigray, Abiy has said, was a TPLF attack on federal military camps.

The TPLF has denied the attack ever occurred, though Abiy's office has seized on a recent interview with Tigrayan media in which a senior TPLF official, Sekuture Getachew, said "it was imperative to take a thunder-like strike".

"Had it not been for the mission maybe Abiy had a chance to command dictatorially for a short term," Sekuture said in the interview, adding that the TPLF now controlled most of the firepower of the Ethiopian military's Northern Command.

Other TPLF leaders have not commented on the interview.

No talks yet

Ethiopian lawmakers have backed a plan to install a caretaker administration in Tigray, and officials have issued arrest warrants for Debretsion and other TPLF leaders.&nbsp;

Abiy's government has said the TPLF needs to be disarmed before negotiations can begin, frustrating world leaders who are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile there continue to be fears the conflict could draw in other regions of Ethiopia. 
On Saturday the TPLF claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on two airports in Amhara region, which borders Tigray to the south.

Ethiopia's Tigray region has claimed responsibility for rocket strikes on airport in Eritrea, a country bordering Ethiopia. This has raised fears of a wider conflict in Africa that started with one between Ethiopia and its own Tigray region.

Ethiopia's Tigray region has claimed responsibility for rocket strikes on airport in Eritrea, a country bordering Ethiopia. This has raised fears of a wider conflict in Africa that started with one between Ethiopia and its own Tigray region. AFP quoted diplomats on Saturday to say that multiple rockets had struck Eritrea's capital Asmara and landed near the airport. The conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray region has already caused a humanitarian crisis that has seen more than 14,000 people fleeing their homes to neighbouring Sudan, a country that is not fully equipped to handle the population. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 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). "Ethiopian forces are also using the airport of Asmara," TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told AFP Sunday, saying this made the airport a "legitimate target" for the strikes. He added that his forces had also been fighting "16 divisions" of Eritrean forces in recent days "in several fronts". The TPLF has previously accused Abiy's government of enlisting military support from Eritrea, something Ethiopia denies. There was no immediate response from the Eritrean or Ethiopian governments on Sunday. It was not clear how many rockets were fired on Saturday night, where in Tigray they were fired from, whether they hit their targets or what damage they inflicted. The United States embassy in Asmara posted an advisory to its website Sunday about "a series of loud noises" at around 7:50 pm Saturday night. "Unconfirmed reports indicate they may have been explosive devices believed to be in the vicinity of the Asmara International Airport. There are no indications the airport was struck," the advisory said. The TPLF dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades and 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 Peace Prize the following year in large part for his effort to initiate a rapprochement with Eritrea. Fleeing refugees Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed so far in the conflict in Africa's second most populous country, some in a gruesome massacre documented last week by Amnesty International. Over 20,000 Ethiopians have fled as refugees into Sudan, a figure that continues to rise, Sudanese officials say. Among them are Ethiopians returning to camps where they and their families sought refuge from devastating famine decades ago. To cross the river at the two countries' border, they climb into small boats crammed with other exhausted and terrified Ethiopians seeking safety. "I am filled with immeasurable sadness, because when I left, 20 years ago, I never thought that I would come back as a miserable refugee," said Gabriel, a 40-year-old farmer who arrived in eastern Sudan this week, asking to be identified by his first name because he feared for his safety. Back in Ethiopia, the UN is pushing for full humanitarian access to Tigray, where Debretsion says hundreds of thousands have been displaced internally by fighting that has featured multiple rounds of government air strikes. Conflicting narratives Ever since Abiy took power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, the TPLF has complained of being sidelined and scapegoated for Ethiopia's woes. The feud grew more intense after Tigray went ahead with its own elections in September -- defying a nationwide ban on all polls imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic -- and tried to brand him an illegitimate ruler. The immediate catalyst for the military operations in Tigray, Abiy has said, was a TPLF attack on federal military camps. The TPLF has denied the attack ever occurred, though Abiy's office has seized on a recent interview with Tigrayan media in which a senior TPLF official, Sekuture Getachew, said "it was imperative to take a thunder-like strike". "Had it not been for the mission maybe Abiy had a chance to command dictatorially for a short term," Sekuture said in the interview, adding that the TPLF now controlled most of the firepower of the Ethiopian military's Northern Command. Other TPLF leaders have not commented on the interview. No talks yet Ethiopian lawmakers have backed a plan to install a caretaker administration in Tigray, and officials have issued arrest warrants for Debretsion and other TPLF leaders. Abiy's government has said the TPLF needs to be disarmed before negotiations can begin, frustrating world leaders who are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile there continue to be fears the conflict could draw in other regions of Ethiopia. On Saturday the TPLF claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on two airports in Amhara region, which borders Tigray to the south.

Ethiopia: Tigray region claims responsibility for Eritrea airport strike

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

"War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre.

Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes.

Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition.

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&nbsp;

"We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed.

But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul.

In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans.

But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region.

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In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe.

On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there.

Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty.

The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan.

But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership.

The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender. "War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year. Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre. Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes. Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition. × "We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed. But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul. In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans. But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region. × In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe. On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there. Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty. The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan. But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership. The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

Ethiopia: Casualties mount as Tigray conflict turns into humanitarian crisis

Raising fears that the conflict within Ethiopia could draw other regions of the country, Ethiopia on Saturday said that forces loyal to Tigray region fired into neighbouring Amhara region. Statement from Ethiopian government said that the rocket attack by Tigrayan forces damaged 'airport areas' in this region.

"In the late hours of Nov. 13, 2020, a rocket was fired towards Bahir Dar and Gondar cities. As a result, the airport areas have sustained damages," an Ethiopian government statement said.

"The TPLF junta is utilising the last of the weaponry within its arsenals," the statement said, referring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Tigray ruling party.

AFP quoted a doctor to say that two military personnel were killed and upto 15 injured in the city of Gondar that was target of the fire.

The conflict between federal forces and Tigray region has already spiralled into a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Sudan which does not have adequate resources to take care of this population.

TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told AFP Saturday he did not have information about the reported attacks but noted that TPLF leaders have said "any airport used to attack Tigray will be a legitimate target".&nbsp;

The airports in Bahir Dar, the regional capital, and in Gondar are used by both military and civilian aircraft.

Residents reported hearing gunfire in both cities Friday night, though an Amhara regional government statement said "the situation was controlled within a few minutes" and "our cities are in peace".&nbsp;

"There were at least two dead" and "10 or 15 injured", AFP quoted a&nbsp;doctor at a hospital in Gondar who spoke on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

He said the casualties appeared to have resulted from an explosion, not from bullets.

"I have seen abdominal, chest and leg injuries," he said, adding there were "no civilians at all" among the dead or injured.&nbsp;

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last week launched military operations in Tigray, saying the move was provoked by TPLF attacks on federal military camps in the region -- a claim the TPLF denies.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed, some in a gruesome massacre documented by Amnesty International, and thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray, whose leaders Abiy accuses of seeking to destabilise the country.

Tigray has been under a communications blackout since the operation began, making it difficult to verify claims from both camps about the situation on the ground.

Military officials have vowed to keep the conflict contained in Tigray, and Abiy has repeatedly promised a quick, decisive victory.

But Amhara and Tigray are embroiled in long-running disputes over land along their shared border that analysts worry could draw Amhara into the conflict.

Thousands of Amhara militiamen have already headed towards Tigray to fight alongside federal forces, according to Amhara security officials.

Both Bahir Dar and Gondar were calm Saturday morning, residents said.

One resident of Bahir Dar told AFP there were "two heavy explosions around 10:50 pm".

"After that there was gunfire for 15 minutes, and then it went quiet," the resident said.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Raising fears that the conflict within Ethiopia could draw other regions of the country, Ethiopia on Saturday said that forces loyal to Tigray region fired into neighbouring Amhara region.

Raising fears that the conflict within Ethiopia could draw other regions of the country, Ethiopia on Saturday said that forces loyal to Tigray region fired into neighbouring Amhara region. Statement from Ethiopian government said that the rocket attack by Tigrayan forces damaged 'airport areas' in this region. "In the late hours of Nov. 13, 2020, a rocket was fired towards Bahir Dar and Gondar cities. As a result, the airport areas have sustained damages," an Ethiopian government statement said. "The TPLF junta is utilising the last of the weaponry within its arsenals," the statement said, referring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Tigray ruling party. AFP quoted a doctor to say that two military personnel were killed and upto 15 injured in the city of Gondar that was target of the fire. The conflict between federal forces and Tigray region has already spiralled into a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Sudan which does not have adequate resources to take care of this population. TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told AFP Saturday he did not have information about the reported attacks but noted that TPLF leaders have said "any airport used to attack Tigray will be a legitimate target". The airports in Bahir Dar, the regional capital, and in Gondar are used by both military and civilian aircraft. Residents reported hearing gunfire in both cities Friday night, though an Amhara regional government statement said "the situation was controlled within a few minutes" and "our cities are in peace". "There were at least two dead" and "10 or 15 injured", AFP quoted a doctor at a hospital in Gondar who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said the casualties appeared to have resulted from an explosion, not from bullets. "I have seen abdominal, chest and leg injuries," he said, adding there were "no civilians at all" among the dead or injured. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last week launched military operations in Tigray, saying the move was provoked by TPLF attacks on federal military camps in the region -- a claim the TPLF denies. Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed, some in a gruesome massacre documented by Amnesty International, and thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray, whose leaders Abiy accuses of seeking to destabilise the country. Tigray has been under a communications blackout since the operation began, making it difficult to verify claims from both camps about the situation on the ground. Military officials have vowed to keep the conflict contained in Tigray, and Abiy has repeatedly promised a quick, decisive victory. But Amhara and Tigray are embroiled in long-running disputes over land along their shared border that analysts worry could draw Amhara into the conflict. Thousands of Amhara militiamen have already headed towards Tigray to fight alongside federal forces, according to Amhara security officials. Both Bahir Dar and Gondar were calm Saturday morning, residents said. One resident of Bahir Dar told AFP there were "two heavy explosions around 10:50 pm". "After that there was gunfire for 15 minutes, and then it went quiet," the resident said. (With AFP inputs)

Tigrayan rocket attack damaged 'airport areas' in neighbouring region, says Ethiopia

United States "strongly urged" de-escalation of violence and end to the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The reaction came after reports of mass killing in a town. The mass killings were reported by Amnesty International. Tibor Nagy, the top US diplomat for Africa tweeted and made the appeal for calm.

"We condemn the massacre of civilians in Mai-Kadra and strongly urge immediate steps to de-escalate and end conflict throughout the Tigray region. It is essential that peace be restored and civilians be protected," he tweeted.

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We condemn the massacre of civilians in Mai-Kadra and strongly urge immediate steps to de-escalate and end conflict throughout the Tigray region. It is essential that peace be restored and civilians be protected.
— Tibor Nagy (@AsstSecStateAF) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsstSecStateAF/status/1327278066666770435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The conflict in Tigray has given rise to fears of a civil war in Ethiopia where federal forces are engaged in fighting with Tigray region of the country. The conflict has already become a humanitarian crisis as casualties are mounting and more than 14,000 people in Ethiopia have been displaced due to hostilities.&nbsp;

These people are fleeing to neighbouring Sudan where the government is not well equipped to take care of sudden influx of so many people. The conflict of Ethiopia with its own region is threatening to become a regional issue.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, ordered military operations in Tigray last week, shocking the international community which fears the start of a long and bloody civil war.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-casualties-mount-as-tigray-conflict-turns-into-humanitarian-crisis-343025">Ethiopia: Casualties mount as Tigray conflict turns into a humanitarian crisis</a>

On Friday (November 13, 2020) United Nations warned of possible war crimes in Tigray region.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for a full investigation into the report of mass killings in the town of Mai-Kadra, where Amnesty said it had "digitally verified gruesome photographs and videos of bodies strewn across the town or being carried away on stretchers".

"If confirmed as having been deliberately carried out by a party to the current fighting, these killings of civilians would of course amount to war crimes," she said in a statement.

Amnesty said it had not been able to confirm who was responsible for the killings, however witnesses blamed forces backing the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

(With AFP inputs)

United States "strongly urged" de-escalation of violence and end to the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The reaction came after reports of mass killing in a town.

United States "strongly urged" de-escalation of violence and end to the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The reaction came after reports of mass killing in a town. The mass killings were reported by Amnesty International. Tibor Nagy, the top US diplomat for Africa tweeted and made the appeal for calm. "We condemn the massacre of civilians in Mai-Kadra and strongly urge immediate steps to de-escalate and end conflict throughout the Tigray region. It is essential that peace be restored and civilians be protected," he tweeted. We condemn the massacre of civilians in Mai-Kadra and strongly urge immediate steps to de-escalate and end conflict throughout the Tigray region. It is essential that peace be restored and civilians be protected. — Tibor Nagy (@AsstSecStateAF) November 13, 2020 × The conflict in Tigray has given rise to fears of a civil war in Ethiopia where federal forces are engaged in fighting with Tigray region of the country. The conflict has already become a humanitarian crisis as casualties are mounting and more than 14,000 people in Ethiopia have been displaced due to hostilities. These people are fleeing to neighbouring Sudan where the government is not well equipped to take care of sudden influx of so many people. The conflict of Ethiopia with its own region is threatening to become a regional issue. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, ordered military operations in Tigray last week, shocking the international community which fears the start of a long and bloody civil war. Also Read | Ethiopia: Casualties mount as Tigray conflict turns into a humanitarian crisis On Friday (November 13, 2020) United Nations warned of possible war crimes in Tigray region. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for a full investigation into the report of mass killings in the town of Mai-Kadra, where Amnesty said it had "digitally verified gruesome photographs and videos of bodies strewn across the town or being carried away on stretchers". "If confirmed as having been deliberately carried out by a party to the current fighting, these killings of civilians would of course amount to war crimes," she said in a statement. Amnesty said it had not been able to confirm who was responsible for the killings, however witnesses blamed forces backing the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). (With AFP inputs)

Ethiopia: US urges immediate de-escalation of Tigray conflict

The United Nations called Thursday for Ethiopia to provide full humanitarian access to the conflict-hit northern region of Tigray and enable civilians to flee safely.

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Ethiopia humanitarian coordinator Catherine Sozi was discussing "immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access" with the government. &nbsp;

"We are also calling for the safe passage for civilians in search of safety and assistance and to guarantee the security for all aid workers," he said.

Dujarric called for federal and regional authorities to enable humanitarian access to their localities, adding that the United Nations was "committed to staying and delivering humanitarian assistance."

More than 11,000 people have fled to neighboring Sudan since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's November 4 launch of military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) party.&nbsp;

Officials say hundreds have been killed and analysts are warning of a bloody, protracted civil war in Africa's second most populous country.

The UN estimates more than two million people need humanitarian aid in the Tigray region.

The United Nations called Thursday for Ethiopia to provide full humanitarian access to the conflict-hit northern region of Tigray and enable civilians to flee safely.

The United Nations called Thursday for Ethiopia to provide full humanitarian access to the conflict-hit northern region of Tigray and enable civilians to flee safely. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Ethiopia humanitarian coordinator Catherine Sozi was discussing "immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access" with the government. "We are also calling for the safe passage for civilians in search of safety and assistance and to guarantee the security for all aid workers," he said. Dujarric called for federal and regional authorities to enable humanitarian access to their localities, adding that the United Nations was "committed to staying and delivering humanitarian assistance." More than 11,000 people have fled to neighboring Sudan since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's November 4 launch of military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) party. Officials say hundreds have been killed and analysts are warning of a bloody, protracted civil war in Africa's second most populous country. The UN estimates more than two million people need humanitarian aid in the Tigray region.

UN calls for humanitarian aid access in Tigray

Ethiopia's military has defeated local forces in the west of Tigray state, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Thursday, accusing his foes of atrocities during a week of fighting that threatens to destabilise the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia claims big advance in Tigray, Amnesty reports mass killing

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea. At home, he introduced far-reaching reforms. Today, he is ordering airstrikes on his own people. Under his watch, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of a civil war. You can add Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the list of Nobel laureates but one who ended up committing or defending unspeakable crimes.&nbsp;

550 rebels have been killed. More than 6,000 people have been forced to flee. With a defiant, power-hungry regional power and a prime minister promising outright victory, conflict in Tigray may soon qualify as a civil war.

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Abiy Ahmed's relationship with regional leadership has always been strained. It reached a tipping point last week. Tigray's ruling party attacked federal troops. In response, Abiy ordered an all-out offensive.

There are reports of heavy fighting in Tigray. But news is becoming increasingly difficult to gather. There is a complete communications blackout. Internet, phone lines and electricity have been cut. Journalists are being arrested.

The government is attempting to control the narrative of this war. A reversal of Abiy's early reforms - that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The prime minister feels he is on the verge of victory. On Monday the scenes in the border town of Dansha reflected his optimism.

"I surrendered to the army because we must not go to war for false reasons. We should be defending our national unity and guarding it. So the young men of Tigray region should not go to war," said a militiaman of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

But not everyone in Tigray shares this feeling. Prime Minister Abiy hails from the Oromo ethnic group. The largest in Ethiopia. Historically, the Oromos and Tigrayans have been rivals. This war may reignite the rivalry.

To the South, another fault-line is opening up. The Amharas. They have a long-standing dispute with Tigray over land. When Abiy announced the war the Amharas gave their full support.

Thousands of Amhara fighters are now deployed in Tigray.

"Our military safeguard our nation and keep us united. While we were living peacefully together they TPLF attacked our defence force. We were hurt by that and our people were killed," said Zeleke Alabachew, local militiaman.

Prime minister Abiy has promised that Ethiopia will not descend into chaos. But the African community is worried. Both, the United Nations and the African Union have called for a ceasefire.

A civil war in Ethiopia could destabilise the whole region. thousands are fleeing to Sudan, forcing the country to reinforce its border. Whether this conflict spirals into a civil war, or not depends on one factor. The people of Tigray. If they shift their loyalty to the federal government, The war could draw to an early close.

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea.

It was around this time last that Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. After 16 years of deadlock, he negotiated a peace deal with neighbouring Eritrea. At home, he introduced far-reaching reforms. Today, he is ordering airstrikes on his own people. Under his watch, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of a civil war. You can add Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the list of Nobel laureates but one who ended up committing or defending unspeakable crimes. 550 rebels have been killed. More than 6,000 people have been forced to flee. With a defiant, power-hungry regional power and a prime minister promising outright victory, conflict in Tigray may soon qualify as a civil war. Abiy Ahmed's relationship with regional leadership has always been strained. It reached a tipping point last week. Tigray's ruling party attacked federal troops. In response, Abiy ordered an all-out offensive. There are reports of heavy fighting in Tigray. But news is becoming increasingly difficult to gather. There is a complete communications blackout. Internet, phone lines and electricity have been cut. Journalists are being arrested. The government is attempting to control the narrative of this war. A reversal of Abiy's early reforms - that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize. The prime minister feels he is on the verge of victory. On Monday the scenes in the border town of Dansha reflected his optimism. "I surrendered to the army because we must not go to war for false reasons. We should be defending our national unity and guarding it. So the young men of Tigray region should not go to war," said a militiaman of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). But not everyone in Tigray shares this feeling. Prime Minister Abiy hails from the Oromo ethnic group. The largest in Ethiopia. Historically, the Oromos and Tigrayans have been rivals. This war may reignite the rivalry. To the South, another fault-line is opening up. The Amharas. They have a long-standing dispute with Tigray over land. When Abiy announced the war the Amharas gave their full support. Thousands of Amhara fighters are now deployed in Tigray. "Our military safeguard our nation and keep us united. While we were living peacefully together they TPLF attacked our defence force. We were hurt by that and our people were killed," said Zeleke Alabachew, local militiaman. Prime minister Abiy has promised that Ethiopia will not descend into chaos. But the African community is worried. Both, the United Nations and the African Union have called for a ceasefire. A civil war in Ethiopia could destabilise the whole region. thousands are fleeing to Sudan, forcing the country to reinforce its border. Whether this conflict spirals into a civil war, or not depends on one factor. The people of Tigray. If they shift their loyalty to the federal government, The war could draw to an early close.

Will conflict within Ethiopia drag the country into chaos?

An explosion took place under a bridge in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday. Spokesperson of Ethiopia's federal police was quoted by Reuters as saying that a man was injured in the blast. The man lost his leg. Cause of the explosion is unknown at the moment.

There is no indication at present that the explosion is related to the ongoing conflict in the country's Tigray region.

Rags were seen lying in a stream near where the blast occurred, and the bridge was closed after the explosion before being reopened by authorities.

One witness at the scene told Reuters that the man had been planting devices when one went off.

Ethiopia is feared to be on the cusp of civil war as the African nation's army is currently engaged in a conflict with forces of Tigray nation.

On Wednesday, Ethiopian air force said&nbsp;it had bombed arms and fuel depots in the northern region of Tigray, as an escalation in fighting prompted thousands more people to seek refuge in neighbouring Sudan.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops and warplanes into the federal state of Tigray last week after a months-long feud with its ruling party, which he accuses of seeking to destabilise the country

(With agency inputs)

An explosion took place under a bridge in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday. Spokesperson of Ethiopia's federal police was quoted by Reuters as saying that a man was injured in the blast.

An explosion took place under a bridge in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday. Spokesperson of Ethiopia's federal police was quoted by Reuters as saying that a man was injured in the blast. The man lost his leg. Cause of the explosion is unknown at the moment. There is no indication at present that the explosion is related to the ongoing conflict in the country's Tigray region. Rags were seen lying in a stream near where the blast occurred, and the bridge was closed after the explosion before being reopened by authorities. One witness at the scene told Reuters that the man had been planting devices when one went off. Ethiopia is feared to be on the cusp of civil war as the African nation's army is currently engaged in a conflict with forces of Tigray nation. On Wednesday, Ethiopian air force said it had bombed arms and fuel depots in the northern region of Tigray, as an escalation in fighting prompted thousands more people to seek refuge in neighbouring Sudan. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops and warplanes into the federal state of Tigray last week after a months-long feud with its ruling party, which he accuses of seeking to destabilise the country (With agency inputs)

Explosion in Ethiopian capital injures one man

About 2,500 Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast, an official said.&nbsp;

Refugees fled to Sudan on Tuesday and the African Union appealed for a ceasefire in a north Ethiopian region where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is waging a military offensive against local leaders defiant of his authority.

About 2,500 Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast, an official said.

Hundreds have died in airstrikes and fighting amid fears that Ethiopia could slide into civil war given deep animosity between the Tigrayans and Abiy, who comes from the largest Oromo ethnic group.

With access blocked to Tigray and communications largely down, it was hard to verify the state of the conflict.

State media said federal forces had captured Humera airport, near the borders with Sudan and Eritrea, along with a road leading from the town. The Ethiopian Press Agency posted photos that it said showed federal soldiers, backed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region, at the airport.

However, Humera residents were going about their lives normally, according to a communications office of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the state of more than 5 million people.

State-affiliated broadcaster FANA said Ethiopia had arrested 17 military officers for disrupting communications systems used by federal forces in Tigray, exposing them to potential harm.

Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, ordered air strikes and sent troops into Tigray last week after accusing the TPLF of attacking a military base. Tigrayans say Abiy's government oppresses and discriminates against them and behaved autocratically in postponing a national election.

Eritrea Allegation

In a potential major escalation, Tigray leader Debretsion Gebremichael said the Eritrean government of President Isaias Afwerki had sent troops across the border to attack local forces in support of the federal push.

But he gave no proof and Eritrea's Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed denied it. "We are not part of the conflict," he told Reuters.

Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a peace deal two years ago, but Afwerki's government remains hostile to the Tigrayan leadership after its role in a devastating 1998-2000 war.

Reuters reporters on Monday travelling in Tigray and Amhara saw trucks packed with militia fighters and pickups with mounted machine-guns rushing to the frontline for the federal government.

Warplanes have bombed arms depots and other targets, both sides say, while aid workers and security sources have reported heavy fighting on the ground.

Military and security sources in Amhara, on the side of the federal troops, have spoken of 500 deaths on the Tigrayan side and hundreds also from the national military.

The state-affiliated Fana broadcaster said federal troops had killed 550 Tigrayan "extremists" while another 29 members of local Special Forces and militia had surrendered.

The AU bloc called for peace talks and an end to hostilities. But Ethiopia said mediation was only possible if military hardware in Tigrayan hands was destroyed, federal officials were freed from custody and regional leaders arrested.

War Fears

The 44-year-old Abiy is Africa's youngest leader and won his Nobel prize for democratic reforms and for making peace with Eritrea. But his militancy against Tigray has alarmed diplomats and a full-scale war could further damage an economy already reeling from the coronavirus crisis.

A former soldier who once fought alongside Tigrayans against Eritrea, Abiy took over in 2018 after a Tigrayan-led government had dominated politics since rebels from their region toppled Marxist military rule in 1991.

But his attempts to open up a repressive political climate also led to an explosion of ethnic problems, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes in clashes over the last two years.

Abiy believes he can quell the Tigrayan leadership militarily, diplomats told Reuters, though they are a battle-hardened group from the 1998-2000 war with Eritrea and the defeat of dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991.

TPLF forces and militia allies number up to 250,000 men and possess significant hardware, experts say.

"Operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended &amp; brought to justice - all of them rapidly coming within reach," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday.

The TPLF has called him "merciless" with airstrikes.

Redwan Hussein, spokesman of a newly-established State of Emergency Task Force for the Tigray conflict, said federal soldiers had been forced to retreat over the border to Eritrea before regrouping and returning to fight local forces.

He acknowledged that Tigrayan troops had control of a compound of the Ethiopian military's powerful Northern Command in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.

About 2,500 Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast, an official said.

About 2,500 Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast, an official said. Refugees fled to Sudan on Tuesday and the African Union appealed for a ceasefire in a north Ethiopian region where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is waging a military offensive against local leaders defiant of his authority. About 2,500 Ethiopians have escaped across the border to Sudan from fighting in the restive Tigray region, with the exodus likely to swell fast, an official said. Hundreds have died in airstrikes and fighting amid fears that Ethiopia could slide into civil war given deep animosity between the Tigrayans and Abiy, who comes from the largest Oromo ethnic group. With access blocked to Tigray and communications largely down, it was hard to verify the state of the conflict. State media said federal forces had captured Humera airport, near the borders with Sudan and Eritrea, along with a road leading from the town. The Ethiopian Press Agency posted photos that it said showed federal soldiers, backed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region, at the airport. However, Humera residents were going about their lives normally, according to a communications office of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the state of more than 5 million people. State-affiliated broadcaster FANA said Ethiopia had arrested 17 military officers for disrupting communications systems used by federal forces in Tigray, exposing them to potential harm. Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, ordered air strikes and sent troops into Tigray last week after accusing the TPLF of attacking a military base. Tigrayans say Abiy's government oppresses and discriminates against them and behaved autocratically in postponing a national election. Eritrea Allegation In a potential major escalation, Tigray leader Debretsion Gebremichael said the Eritrean government of President Isaias Afwerki had sent troops across the border to attack local forces in support of the federal push. But he gave no proof and Eritrea's Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed denied it. "We are not part of the conflict," he told Reuters. Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a peace deal two years ago, but Afwerki's government remains hostile to the Tigrayan leadership after its role in a devastating 1998-2000 war. Reuters reporters on Monday travelling in Tigray and Amhara saw trucks packed with militia fighters and pickups with mounted machine-guns rushing to the frontline for the federal government. Warplanes have bombed arms depots and other targets, both sides say, while aid workers and security sources have reported heavy fighting on the ground. Military and security sources in Amhara, on the side of the federal troops, have spoken of 500 deaths on the Tigrayan side and hundreds also from the national military. The state-affiliated Fana broadcaster said federal troops had killed 550 Tigrayan "extremists" while another 29 members of local Special Forces and militia had surrendered. The AU bloc called for peace talks and an end to hostilities. But Ethiopia said mediation was only possible if military hardware in Tigrayan hands was destroyed, federal officials were freed from custody and regional leaders arrested. War Fears The 44-year-old Abiy is Africa's youngest leader and won his Nobel prize for democratic reforms and for making peace with Eritrea. But his militancy against Tigray has alarmed diplomats and a full-scale war could further damage an economy already reeling from the coronavirus crisis. A former soldier who once fought alongside Tigrayans against Eritrea, Abiy took over in 2018 after a Tigrayan-led government had dominated politics since rebels from their region toppled Marxist military rule in 1991. But his attempts to open up a repressive political climate also led to an explosion of ethnic problems, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes in clashes over the last two years. Abiy believes he can quell the Tigrayan leadership militarily, diplomats told Reuters, though they are a battle-hardened group from the 1998-2000 war with Eritrea and the defeat of dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991. TPLF forces and militia allies number up to 250,000 men and possess significant hardware, experts say. "Operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended & brought to justice - all of them rapidly coming within reach," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday. The TPLF has called him "merciless" with airstrikes. Redwan Hussein, spokesman of a newly-established State of Emergency Task Force for the Tigray conflict, said federal soldiers had been forced to retreat over the border to Eritrea before regrouping and returning to fight local forces. He acknowledged that Tigrayan troops had control of a compound of the Ethiopian military's powerful Northern Command in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict worsens, 550 rebels killed 

Ethiopian troops took an airport in the Tigray region during an offensive against local leaders defying Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's authority, state media said on Tuesday, as the African Union (AU) called for an end to bloodshed.

Hundreds have been killed in an escalating conflict that some fear could slide into civil war given deep animosity between the Tigrayans and the government of Abiy Ahmed, who comes from the largest Oromo ethnic group.

Various Tigrayan forces surrendered during the seizure of Humera airport, near the border with Sudan and Eritrea, while the military also captured a road leading from the town to the Sudanese border, the Fana broadcaster reported.

The Ethiopian Press Agency posted photos that it said showed federal soldiers, backed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region, at the airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hundreds-killed-in-escalating-ethiopian-conflict-sources-say-341983" hreflang="en">Hundreds killed in escalating Ethiopian conflict, sources say</a>

However, Humera residents were going about their lives normally, the local government's communication office said citing Tigray TV, without commenting on the status of the airport.

Foreign media had no access to Tigray on Tuesday and Reuters could not confirm the reports. There was no immediate response from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the state of more than 9 million people.

Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, ordered air strikes and sent troops into Tigray last week after accusing the TPLF of attacking a military base. Tigrayans say Abiy's government oppresses and discriminates against them and behaved autocratically in postponing a national election.

'CEASE HOSTILITIES'

The AU bloc called for peace talks and a ceasefire. "The chairperson (Moussa Faki Mahamat) appeals for the immediate cessation of hostilities and calls on parties to respect human rights and ensure the protection of civilians," it said.

Some Ethiopians, including soldiers, have begun crossing into Sudan amid fears of a refugee crisis, residents in the region and Sudanese state media say.

Reuters reporters on Monday travelling in Tigray and Amhara saw trucks packed with militia fighters and pickups with mounted machine-guns rushing to the frontline in support of the federal government push.

Warplanes have bombed arms depots and other targets, both sides say, while aid workers and security sources have reported heavy fighting on the ground.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ethiopia-downplays-war-fears-while-seeking-to-quell-tigray-341901" hreflang="en">Ethiopia downplays war fears while seeking to quell Tigray</a>

Military and security sources in Amhara, on the side of the federal troops, have spoken of 500 deaths on the Tigrayan side and hundreds also from the national military.

Abiy's spokeswoman denied suggestions from some diplomats that he was ignoring mediation efforts and endangering stability in the poor and turbulent Horn of Africa region.

"There is no rebuffing of anyone by the prime minister. He had acknowledged and given gratitude for the concerns shown," the spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, told Reuters.

"Nevertheless, Ethiopia is a sovereign nation and its government&nbsp;will ultimately make decisions in the long-term interest of the country and its people."

WAR FEARS

The 44-year-old prime minister is Africa's youngest leader and won his Nobel prize for democratic reforms and for making peace with Eritrea. But his militancy against Tigray has alarmed diplomats and a full-scale war could further damage an economy already reeling from the coronavirus crisis.

Abiy, a former soldier who once fought alongside Tigrayans against Eritrea, took over in 2018 after a Tigrayan-led government had dominated politics since rebels from their region toppled Marxist military rule in 1991.

But his attempts to open up a repressive political climate also led to an explosion of ethnic problems, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes in clashes over the last two years.

Abiy believes he can quell the Tigrayan leadership militarily, diplomats told Reuters, though they are a battle-hardened group from a 1998-2000 war with Eritrea and the defeat of dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991.

TPLF forces and militia allies number up to 250,000 men and possess significant hardware, experts say.

"Our law enforcement operations in Tigray are proceeding as planned: operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended &amp; brought to justice — all of them rapidly coming within reach," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday.

The TPLF has called him "merciless" with air strikes.

Ethiopian troops took an airport in the Tigray region during an offensive against local leaders defying Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's authority, state media said on Tuesday, as the African Union (AU) called for an end to bloodshed.

Ethiopian troops took an airport in the Tigray region during an offensive against local leaders defying Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's authority, state media said on Tuesday, as the African Union (AU) called for an end to bloodshed. Hundreds have been killed in an escalating conflict that some fear could slide into civil war given deep animosity between the Tigrayans and the government of Abiy Ahmed, who comes from the largest Oromo ethnic group. Various Tigrayan forces surrendered during the seizure of Humera airport, near the border with Sudan and Eritrea, while the military also captured a road leading from the town to the Sudanese border, the Fana broadcaster reported. The Ethiopian Press Agency posted photos that it said showed federal soldiers, backed by forces from the neighbouring Amhara region, at the airport. Also read: Hundreds killed in escalating Ethiopian conflict, sources say However, Humera residents were going about their lives normally, the local government's communication office said citing Tigray TV, without commenting on the status of the airport. Foreign media had no access to Tigray on Tuesday and Reuters could not confirm the reports. There was no immediate response from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the state of more than 9 million people. Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, ordered air strikes and sent troops into Tigray last week after accusing the TPLF of attacking a military base. Tigrayans say Abiy's government oppresses and discriminates against them and behaved autocratically in postponing a national election. 'CEASE HOSTILITIES' The AU bloc called for peace talks and a ceasefire. "The chairperson (Moussa Faki Mahamat) appeals for the immediate cessation of hostilities and calls on parties to respect human rights and ensure the protection of civilians," it said. Some Ethiopians, including soldiers, have begun crossing into Sudan amid fears of a refugee crisis, residents in the region and Sudanese state media say. Reuters reporters on Monday travelling in Tigray and Amhara saw trucks packed with militia fighters and pickups with mounted machine-guns rushing to the frontline in support of the federal government push. Warplanes have bombed arms depots and other targets, both sides say, while aid workers and security sources have reported heavy fighting on the ground. Also read: Ethiopia downplays war fears while seeking to quell Tigray Military and security sources in Amhara, on the side of the federal troops, have spoken of 500 deaths on the Tigrayan side and hundreds also from the national military. Abiy's spokeswoman denied suggestions from some diplomats that he was ignoring mediation efforts and endangering stability in the poor and turbulent Horn of Africa region. "There is no rebuffing of anyone by the prime minister. He had acknowledged and given gratitude for the concerns shown," the spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, told Reuters. "Nevertheless, Ethiopia is a sovereign nation and its government will ultimately make decisions in the long-term interest of the country and its people." WAR FEARS The 44-year-old prime minister is Africa's youngest leader and won his Nobel prize for democratic reforms and for making peace with Eritrea. But his militancy against Tigray has alarmed diplomats and a full-scale war could further damage an economy already reeling from the coronavirus crisis. Abiy, a former soldier who once fought alongside Tigrayans against Eritrea, took over in 2018 after a Tigrayan-led government had dominated politics since rebels from their region toppled Marxist military rule in 1991. But his attempts to open up a repressive political climate also led to an explosion of ethnic problems, with hundreds killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes in clashes over the last two years. Abiy believes he can quell the Tigrayan leadership militarily, diplomats told Reuters, though they are a battle-hardened group from a 1998-2000 war with Eritrea and the defeat of dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991. TPLF forces and militia allies number up to 250,000 men and possess significant hardware, experts say. "Our law enforcement operations in Tigray are proceeding as planned: operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended & brought to justice — all of them rapidly coming within reach," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday. The TPLF has called him "merciless" with air strikes.

African bloc urges ceasefire as Ethiopia claims airport in Tigray

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region. The five-day conflict has seen number of wounded soldiers continuously increase. Abiy's office did not specify any reason for the latest move and only said that Deputy Army Chief Berhanu Jula will take over as army chief from his predecessor General Adem Mohammed. No announcement has been as of now as to in what capacity General Mohammed will serve the army.

The announcement came as a medical official told AFP that nearly 100 government soldiers had been treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital in the northern Amhara region, the latest indication that fighting has been intense.&nbsp;

Abiy and military leaders have touted Ethiopian soldiers' successes against forces loyal to the Tigray ruling party, but a communications blackout in the region has made their accounts difficult to verify.

On roads in the northern part of Ethiopia's Amhara region, ambulances can frequently be seen ferrying wounded combatants to hospitals. 
In the town of Sanja, 98 government soldiers have been treated for "gunfire" injuries, a doctor told AFP.

"We have had 98 cases. All of them are soldiers from the national army," said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said there were no fatalities at the hospital, but noted more serious cases have been transported to larger hospitals in the city of Gondar and elsewhere.

Reports of dead and wounded soldiers have mounted in recent days in Amhara, where a humanitarian aid worker said three died and 35 were treated on Saturday. On Friday 105 were reported injured and five killed in the region.

There are growing fears that Ethiopia will soon witness a civil war between the government forces and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party of the Tigray region.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, the winner of last year's Nobel peace prize, sent federal troops and aircraft into Tigray in a major escalation of a long-running feud.

Sunday's reshuffle also saw new appointments for deputy army chief, foreign minister and federal police commissioner, while the president of Amhara was transferred to head Ethiopia's intelligence service.

No reason was given for those changes either.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed replaced his army chief on Sunday and elevated deputy army chief to his position. The move came as the country fought its own Tigray region. The five-day conflict has seen number of wounded soldiers continuously increase. Abiy's office did not specify any reason for the latest move and only said that Deputy Army Chief Berhanu Jula will take over as army chief from his predecessor General Adem Mohammed. No announcement has been as of now as to in what capacity General Mohammed will serve the army. The announcement came as a medical official told AFP that nearly 100 government soldiers had been treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital in the northern Amhara region, the latest indication that fighting has been intense. Abiy and military leaders have touted Ethiopian soldiers' successes against forces loyal to the Tigray ruling party, but a communications blackout in the region has made their accounts difficult to verify. On roads in the northern part of Ethiopia's Amhara region, ambulances can frequently be seen ferrying wounded combatants to hospitals. In the town of Sanja, 98 government soldiers have been treated for "gunfire" injuries, a doctor told AFP. "We have had 98 cases. All of them are soldiers from the national army," said the doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said there were no fatalities at the hospital, but noted more serious cases have been transported to larger hospitals in the city of Gondar and elsewhere. Reports of dead and wounded soldiers have mounted in recent days in Amhara, where a humanitarian aid worker said three died and 35 were treated on Saturday. On Friday 105 were reported injured and five killed in the region. There are growing fears that Ethiopia will soon witness a civil war between the government forces and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the ruling party of the Tigray region. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, the winner of last year's Nobel peace prize, sent federal troops and aircraft into Tigray in a major escalation of a long-running feud. Sunday's reshuffle also saw new appointments for deputy army chief, foreign minister and federal police commissioner, while the president of Amhara was transferred to head Ethiopia's intelligence service. No reason was given for those changes either. (With AFP inputs)

Ethiopia PM replaces army chief amid conflict with Tigray region

Ethiopian jets bombed the Tigray region on Friday and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged more air strikes in the escalating conflict, as reports emerged that Tigrayan forces had seized control of key federal military sites and weapons.

Civilians in the northern region should avoid "collateral damage" by not gathering outside as strikes would continue, Abiy said on Friday evening in a televised speech, defying international pleas to both sides for restraint.

The developments signalled how fast the days-old conflict was hurtling toward civil war that experts and diplomats warn would destabilise the country of 110 million people and hurt the broader Horn of Africa.

A simmering row between Abiy`s federal government and his former Tigrayan allies exploded on Wednesday after Abiy ordered a military campaign. Abiy, who won last year`s Nobel Peace Prize, accused the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), of attacking a federal military base and trying to steal equipment. He said "the last red line" had been crossed.

The government then cut phone and internet communications to the region, according to the digital rights group Access Now, making it impossible to verify official accounts. The government accused the TPLF of shutting down communications.

Diplomats, regional security officers and aid workers have told Reuters that fighting is spreading in the northwestern part of the country, along Tigray`s border with the Amhara region, which is backing the federal government, and near the border with Sudan and Eritrea.

Abiy said on Friday that government troops had seized control of the town of Dansha, near the border area, from the TPLF.

RISKS

After toppling a Marxist dictator in 1991, the TPLF led the country`s multi-ethnic ruling coalition until Abiy took office in 2018. For those decades, Tigrayans dominated the military. Abiy has sacked many senior generals as part of a crackdown on past rights abuses and corruption that Tigrayans complain unfairly targets them.

Tigrayan forces are battle-hardened and possess significant stocks of military hardware, experts say. Their regional troops and associated militias number up to 250,000 men, according to the International Crisis Group think tank.

One of the biggest risks is that the Ethiopian army will splinter along ethnic lines, with Tigrayans defecting to the regional force. There are indications that is already happening, experts said.

Tigrayan forces were in control of the federal military`s Northern Command headquarters in the city of Mekelle, according to a United Nations internal security report dated Friday and seen by Reuters.

The Northern Command is one of the four military commands of the country and controls the border with Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Tigrayan forces have seized "heavy weapons" from several of the command`s depots, the report read. It said that the command is the most heavily armed and contains "most of the military’s heavy weapons including the majority of the country’s mechanised and armoured units, artillery and air assets."

The government is mobilising troops from around the country and sending them to Tigray, risking a security vacuum in other parts of the country where ethnic violence is raging. More than 50 people were killed by gunmen from a rival ethnic group in western Ethiopia on Sunday, according to Amnesty international.

Troop redeployments from near the border with Somalia will make that area "more vulnerable to possible incursions by Al Shabaab," the al Qaeda-linked insurgency trying to overthrow the government in Somalia, the U.N. report read.

Ethiopian jets bombed the Tigray region on Friday and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged more air strikes in the escalating conflict, as reports emerged that Tigrayan forces had seized control of key federal military sites and weapons.

Ethiopian jets bombed the Tigray region on Friday and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledged more air strikes in the escalating conflict, as reports emerged that Tigrayan forces had seized control of key federal military sites and weapons. Civilians in the northern region should avoid "collateral damage" by not gathering outside as strikes would continue, Abiy said on Friday evening in a televised speech, defying international pleas to both sides for restraint. The developments signalled how fast the days-old conflict was hurtling toward civil war that experts and diplomats warn would destabilise the country of 110 million people and hurt the broader Horn of Africa. A simmering row between Abiy`s federal government and his former Tigrayan allies exploded on Wednesday after Abiy ordered a military campaign. Abiy, who won last year`s Nobel Peace Prize, accused the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), of attacking a federal military base and trying to steal equipment. He said "the last red line" had been crossed. The government then cut phone and internet communications to the region, according to the digital rights group Access Now, making it impossible to verify official accounts. The government accused the TPLF of shutting down communications. Diplomats, regional security officers and aid workers have told Reuters that fighting is spreading in the northwestern part of the country, along Tigray`s border with the Amhara region, which is backing the federal government, and near the border with Sudan and Eritrea. Abiy said on Friday that government troops had seized control of the town of Dansha, near the border area, from the TPLF. RISKS After toppling a Marxist dictator in 1991, the TPLF led the country`s multi-ethnic ruling coalition until Abiy took office in 2018. For those decades, Tigrayans dominated the military. Abiy has sacked many senior generals as part of a crackdown on past rights abuses and corruption that Tigrayans complain unfairly targets them. Tigrayan forces are battle-hardened and possess significant stocks of military hardware, experts say. Their regional troops and associated militias number up to 250,000 men, according to the International Crisis Group think tank. One of the biggest risks is that the Ethiopian army will splinter along ethnic lines, with Tigrayans defecting to the regional force. There are indications that is already happening, experts said. Tigrayan forces were in control of the federal military`s Northern Command headquarters in the city of Mekelle, according to a United Nations internal security report dated Friday and seen by Reuters. The Northern Command is one of the four military commands of the country and controls the border with Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. Tigrayan forces have seized "heavy weapons" from several of the command`s depots, the report read. It said that the command is the most heavily armed and contains "most of the military’s heavy weapons including the majority of the country’s mechanised and armoured units, artillery and air assets." The government is mobilising troops from around the country and sending them to Tigray, risking a security vacuum in other parts of the country where ethnic violence is raging. More than 50 people were killed by gunmen from a rival ethnic group in western Ethiopia on Sunday, according to Amnesty international. Troop redeployments from near the border with Somalia will make that area "more vulnerable to possible incursions by Al Shabaab," the al Qaeda-linked insurgency trying to overthrow the government in Somalia, the U.N. report read.

Ethiopian air strikes in Tigray will continue, says PM, as civil war risks grow

Ethiopia is hurtling towards a civil war. The northern province of Tigray is in open rebellion. On Wednesday -- the local ruling party attacked federal troops stationed here. Prime minister Abiy Ahmed described it as an act of betrayal...

"The army has been attacked from behind by its own citizens and many have been martyred, wounded and properties destroyed. This force of destruction has been engaged in many counterproductive activities for the past many months," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Cracks in the union first emerged in September. Tigray held parliamentary elections - without permission from the centre. The vote was declared illegal. It was the first indication of what was in store.&nbsp;

At the heart of this brewing civil war is a battle for influence. Tigray accounts for just 5% of Ethiopia's population. But thanks to a well-trained army.And a strong economy. It has always enjoyed disproportionate power in government.

That changed when Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018. Major Tigrayan officials were either fired or sidelined. It was part of his crackdown on corruption. In response, the Tigray government declared prime minister Abiy as illegitimate.

"The authoritarian unitary government that has illegally usurped power of the federal government is committing treason and injustice by forging alliance with external forces and setting out the country's sovereignty in a bid to subdue people of Tigray," said spokesperson of the Tigray government

The situation is precarious right now. A state of emergency has been declared in Tigray. Federal troops have moved in. Electricity, internet and telephone connections have been cut. Prime minister Abiy has made it clear that he will fight till the end.

The war itself is likely to be devastating. Tigray claims that federal troops in the region have defected. Combined with the region's own forces. They could be a handful for the Ethiopian army.&nbsp;

There is also the risk of the rebellion spreading elsewhere. Ethiopia is home to 80 ethnic groups. Unresolved tensions could resurface - if a civil war breaks out.

Prime minister Abiy is a champion of dialogue. He ended a two-decade conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. And pacified rebel groups.&nbsp;

All without deploying troops. But the attack on Ethiopian soldiers was the red line for him. The question is -- can Africa's oldest union survive his war?

Ethiopia is hurtling towards a civil war. The northern province of Tigray is in open rebellion. On Wednesday -- the local ruling party attacked federal troops stationed here.

Ethiopia is hurtling towards a civil war. The northern province of Tigray is in open rebellion. On Wednesday -- the local ruling party attacked federal troops stationed here. Prime minister Abiy Ahmed described it as an act of betrayal... "The army has been attacked from behind by its own citizens and many have been martyred, wounded and properties destroyed. This force of destruction has been engaged in many counterproductive activities for the past many months," he said. Watch | Cracks in the union first emerged in September. Tigray held parliamentary elections - without permission from the centre. The vote was declared illegal. It was the first indication of what was in store. At the heart of this brewing civil war is a battle for influence. Tigray accounts for just 5% of Ethiopia's population. But thanks to a well-trained army.And a strong economy. It has always enjoyed disproportionate power in government. That changed when Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018. Major Tigrayan officials were either fired or sidelined. It was part of his crackdown on corruption. In response, the Tigray government declared prime minister Abiy as illegitimate. "The authoritarian unitary government that has illegally usurped power of the federal government is committing treason and injustice by forging alliance with external forces and setting out the country's sovereignty in a bid to subdue people of Tigray," said spokesperson of the Tigray government The situation is precarious right now. A state of emergency has been declared in Tigray. Federal troops have moved in. Electricity, internet and telephone connections have been cut. Prime minister Abiy has made it clear that he will fight till the end. The war itself is likely to be devastating. Tigray claims that federal troops in the region have defected. Combined with the region's own forces. They could be a handful for the Ethiopian army. There is also the risk of the rebellion spreading elsewhere. Ethiopia is home to 80 ethnic groups. Unresolved tensions could resurface - if a civil war breaks out. Prime minister Abiy is a champion of dialogue. He ended a two-decade conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. And pacified rebel groups. All without deploying troops. But the attack on Ethiopian soldiers was the red line for him. The question is -- can Africa's oldest union survive his war?

Can Ethiopia survive a civil war?

A civil war is brewing in Ethiopia. The Army is marching into the northern province of Tigray. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: A civil war is brewing in Ethiopia

In a fresh signal that Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous country was heading for an extended internal conflict, Ethiopian military regarded its conflict with Tigray region a "war" on Thursday.

"Our country has entered into a war it didn't anticipate. This war is shameful, it is senseless," Berhanu Jula, the deputy army chief, told a press conference in Addis Ababa.

Fighting between Ethiopian and Tigrayan sides continued and troops reportedly amassed at the region's borders. There is heated rhetoric from both sides.

"We're working to ensure the war won't come to the centre of the country. It will end there" in Tigray, Berhanu said.&nbsp;

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed announced on Wednesday that he had ordered military operations in Tigray in response to an "attack" by the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on a military camp there.&nbsp;

The TPLF denies the attack occurred and accuses Abiy of concocting the story to justify deploying the military against it.

"What has been initiated against us is clearly a war, an invasion," Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael said at a press conference Thursday.

"This is a war we're conducting to preserve our existence," he added.&nbsp;

Debretsion said fighting persisted in western Tigray, and that federal troops were gathering on the border in neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions.

Ethiopian officials did not disclose the casualties although diplomats in Addis Ababa said that they were likey to take place on both sides.

Internet and phone connections in Tigray were cut for a second day, making any tolls difficult to verify.

State of emergency

Lawmakers in Addis Ababa on Thursday unanimously endorsed a six-month state of emergency in Tigray that had been announced the previous day by Abiy's government.

According to Ethiopia's constitution, under a state of emergency the government has "all necessary power to protect the country's peace and sovereignty" and can suspend some "political and democratic rights".&nbsp;

A senior government official told AFP that in Tigray this could lead to a curfew, searches without warrants, transportation and communications restrictions and the detention of "any person that [officials] suspect is taking part in illegal activities that threaten the constitutional order".

The state of emergency could also be extended beyond Tigray if needed, the official said.&nbsp;

Ahead of Thursday's vote, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the national rights body, pointed to the need to maintain key services and supplies for civilians.

Lawmakers "should in particular consider ensuring humanitarian access and support including for food, medicine and other essential civilian services to avoid a complete blockage of communication and transport facilities," it said.&nbsp;

'Shuttle diplomacy'

The fighting in Tigray has drawn expressions of concern from the UN, the US and the EU.

An official at the African Union told AFP Thursday that the body, headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, was reaching out to "all actors" to try to bring a swift end to the conflict.

"The African Union is engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region and with all actors at the moment to try to find some sort of solution. But it's clearly very sensitive right now," the official said.

"I know that everybody is clamouring for public pronouncements. The situation is so dire that it's really about the doing. A solution is not going to be found on Twitter."&nbsp;

However multiple diplomats said both Abiy's government and the TPLF did not currently seem open to negotiations.

Abiy's government has not revealed a timeline or a clear military objective for the campaign, though a spokesman for a newly-formed crisis committee said Wednesday the goal was to "liberate" the region from the TPLF.&nbsp;

The TPLF dominated politics in Ethiopia for nearly three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018 on the strength of anti-government protests.&nbsp;

Under Abiy, Tigrayan leaders have complained of being unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions, removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes.&nbsp;

In previous weeks, tensions had been rising over control of military assets in the region.

The TPLF claims the military's Northern Command has broken with Abiy, though Abiy's office has dismissed this as false.&nbsp;

In a fresh signal that Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous country was heading for an extended internal conflict, Ethiopian military regarded its conflict with Tigray region a "war" on Thursday.

In a fresh signal that Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous country was heading for an extended internal conflict, Ethiopian military regarded its conflict with Tigray region a "war" on Thursday. "Our country has entered into a war it didn't anticipate. This war is shameful, it is senseless," Berhanu Jula, the deputy army chief, told a press conference in Addis Ababa. Fighting between Ethiopian and Tigrayan sides continued and troops reportedly amassed at the region's borders. There is heated rhetoric from both sides. "We're working to ensure the war won't come to the centre of the country. It will end there" in Tigray, Berhanu said. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed announced on Wednesday that he had ordered military operations in Tigray in response to an "attack" by the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on a military camp there. The TPLF denies the attack occurred and accuses Abiy of concocting the story to justify deploying the military against it. "What has been initiated against us is clearly a war, an invasion," Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael said at a press conference Thursday. "This is a war we're conducting to preserve our existence," he added. Debretsion said fighting persisted in western Tigray, and that federal troops were gathering on the border in neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions. Ethiopian officials did not disclose the casualties although diplomats in Addis Ababa said that they were likey to take place on both sides. Internet and phone connections in Tigray were cut for a second day, making any tolls difficult to verify. State of emergency Lawmakers in Addis Ababa on Thursday unanimously endorsed a six-month state of emergency in Tigray that had been announced the previous day by Abiy's government. According to Ethiopia's constitution, under a state of emergency the government has "all necessary power to protect the country's peace and sovereignty" and can suspend some "political and democratic rights". A senior government official told AFP that in Tigray this could lead to a curfew, searches without warrants, transportation and communications restrictions and the detention of "any person that [officials] suspect is taking part in illegal activities that threaten the constitutional order". The state of emergency could also be extended beyond Tigray if needed, the official said. Ahead of Thursday's vote, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the national rights body, pointed to the need to maintain key services and supplies for civilians. Lawmakers "should in particular consider ensuring humanitarian access and support including for food, medicine and other essential civilian services to avoid a complete blockage of communication and transport facilities," it said. 'Shuttle diplomacy' The fighting in Tigray has drawn expressions of concern from the UN, the US and the EU. An official at the African Union told AFP Thursday that the body, headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, was reaching out to "all actors" to try to bring a swift end to the conflict. "The African Union is engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region and with all actors at the moment to try to find some sort of solution. But it's clearly very sensitive right now," the official said. "I know that everybody is clamouring for public pronouncements. The situation is so dire that it's really about the doing. A solution is not going to be found on Twitter." However multiple diplomats said both Abiy's government and the TPLF did not currently seem open to negotiations. Abiy's government has not revealed a timeline or a clear military objective for the campaign, though a spokesman for a newly-formed crisis committee said Wednesday the goal was to "liberate" the region from the TPLF. The TPLF dominated politics in Ethiopia for nearly three decades before Abiy came to power in 2018 on the strength of anti-government protests. Under Abiy, Tigrayan leaders have complained of being unfairly targeted in corruption prosecutions, removed from top positions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes. In previous weeks, tensions had been rising over control of military assets in the region. The TPLF claims the military's Northern Command has broken with Abiy, though Abiy's office has dismissed this as false.

Ethiopian Military: We are at 'war' with Tigray region

Heavy fighting flared in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region on Wednesday, diplomatic sources said, after the prime minister launched military operations in response to what he said was an attack on federal troops.

Ethiopia sends army into Tigray region, heavy fighting reported

Tigray is holding elections despite the federal government to delay all polls over coronavirus fears. The elections in Tigray have now exposed the divisions that have characterized Abiy Ahmed as Prime minister.

Rebel vote in Ethiopia: Tigray leaders reject poll delay

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