Ethiopian federal forces were encircling the Tigray region’s capital from around 50km, the government said, after giving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) a 72-hour surrender ultimatum. The conflict has spread beyond Tigray, with the TPLF firing rockets into both neighbouring Amhara region and across the border to Eritrea. Mr Redwan told Reuters by text that federal forces were ringing Mekelle at a distance of about 50km. Tigrayan forces fired rockets at Bahir Dar, the capital of neighbouring Amhara region whose authorities are supporting the federal offensive, he also said. “We are people of principle and are ready to die in defence of our right to administer our region,” TPLF leader Mr Debretsion said.

Source: Irish Independent November 24, 2020 02:39 UTC