Ethiopia PM Orders Final Offensive Against Dissident Tigray Leaders
Faizan Hashmi Published November 26, 2020 | 02:39 PM
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday ordered Ethiopia's army to launch a final offensive against Tigray's dissident leaders in their regional capital Mekele, saying the deadline for surrender had expired
Addis Ababa, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Nov, 2020 ) :Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday ordered Ethiopia's army to launch a final offensive against Tigray's dissident leaders in their regional capital Mekele, saying the deadline for surrender had expired.
Abiy, the winner of last year's Nobel Peace prize, late Sunday gave the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) 72 hours to lay down their arms.
The ultimatum was rejected by the leaders of the region, whose forces have been fighting Federal troops in the country's north for three weeks, displacing over 40,000 people and killing hundreds.
Ethiopia's army -- which in recent days said it was advancing on Mekele with tanks -- had been directed "to conclude the third and final phase" against the TPLF, Abiy said.
"In this final phase, great care will be given to protect innocent civilians from harm. All efforts will be made to ensure that the city of Mekele, which was built through the hard work of our people, will not be severely damaged," Abiy said.
He said "thousands" of TPLF militia and special forces had surrendered to federal forces before the deadline lapsed.
It was not immediately clear how close the army was to the city. A communications blackout in Tigray and restrictions on reporting have made verifying claims from both sides difficult.
Recent Stories
Govt committed to developing gems, jewellery sector: Minister
Three new bills introduced in Senate
Nine dead, 1,318 injured in Punjab road accidents
Ukraine, Russia exchange fire, at least seven dead
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
Joint venture decided for action against MEPCO’s defaulters
Modern irrigation system imperative to deal with water scarcity: UAF VC
Bringing 4.4mln hectares suitable land under olive cultivation to address econom ..
One woman died after speedy bus overturned
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa
Parliament committed to resolve public issues on priority basis: Ghulam Mustafa
Collaborative Care of Diabetes Centre inaugurated in Faisalabad
More Stories From World
-
Ukraine, Russia exchange fire, at least seven dead
37 minutes ago -
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa
43 minutes ago -
US economic growth slows significantly in first quarter
36 minutes ago -
Macron warns 'mortal' Europe needs stronger defence
41 minutes ago -
COP29 host says deal on climate aid essential but offers few details
1 hour ago -
Ukraine jails couple for helping Russia strike hospital
1 hour ago
-
Togo opposition asks W.Africa court to overturn reforms
2 hours ago -
Paris landmark Moulin Rouge's windmill sails collapse
2 hours ago -
Ahead of feared Rafah invasion, Palestinians mourn bombardment dead
2 hours ago -
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains cause floods, landslides: PM
2 hours ago -
Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show
2 hours ago -
Chinese defense minister to attend SCO meeting in Kazakhstan
2 hours ago