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Ethiopia's army says it has repelled TPLF attacks in first comment on fresh Tigray fighting
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Ethiopia's army reported repelling attacks by Tigrayan forces and allies in the northern Amhara region, claiming heavy casualties and weapons seizure, marking its first statement since fighting began on Wednesday.
- The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of three airports from federal police, with TPLF vice-president Amanuel Assefa declaring the situation as full-blown war, though the TPLF has not confirmed the army's claims.
- The conflict escalation follows months of tension after a 2020-2022 war ended with an African Union-brokered peace deal, which both sides accuse each other of violating; the war previously caused around 600,000 deaths and severe famine risks.
- The TPLF announced an alliance with six other armed groups aiming to overthrow the federal government, while residents in Mekelle report calm in the city but significant economic hardship, including cash shortages and reliance on mobile banking amid fears of communication blackouts.
