Ethiopia's Abiy Says Tigray Fighting 'completed' As Army Claims Regional Capital
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 29, 2020 | 12:40 AM
Addis Ababa, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Nov, 2020 ) :Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Saturday that military operations in the country's northern Tigray region were "completed" after the army claimed control of the regional capital, declaring victory in a three-week-old conflict that has left thousands dead.
"I am pleased to share that we have completed and ceased the military operations in the #Tigray region," Abiy said in a Twitter post Saturday night.
Abiy, last year's Nobel Peace prize winner, announced on November 4 he had ordered military operations against leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional ruling party that dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades before he came to power in 2018.
Tigray has been under a communications blackout ever since, making it impossible to know the full toll of fierce fighting that has included multiple rounds of air strikes and at least one massacre that killed hundreds of civilians.
After securing control of western Tigray and giving TPLF leaders a 72-hour ultimatum to surrender, Abiy announced on Thursday he had ordered a "final offensive" against pro-TPLF forces in the regional capital, Mekele, a city of half a million.
Global concern mounted over a possible bloodbath, and heavy shelling was reported in Mekele earlier Saturday.
But on Saturday night Gen Berhanu Jula, the army chief, said in a statement that his forces "completely controlled" Mekele.
A government statement specified that Federal forces had been able to "take control of the airport, public institutions, the regional administration office and other critical facilities".
Berhanu said his troops were now "hunting for members of the TPLF junta that are in hiding".
There was no immediate response from the TPLF.
-A long-running feud- Ever since Abiy took office, TPLF leaders have complained of being sidelined from top positions, targeted in corruption prosecutions and broadly scapegoated for the country's woes.
Tensions rose dramatically after Abiy's government postponed national elections scheduled for August, citing the coronavirus pandemic.
Tigray held its own elections the following month and branded Abiy an illegitimate ruler.
The military operations that began on November 4 were, in Abiy's telling, triggered by attacks by pro-TPLF forces on two federal army camps in Tigray -- one in Mekele and another in the town of Dansha.
On Saturday the government said it controlled the camp in Mekele and had secured the release of thousands of federal army officers held hostage there.
Despite Abiy's triumphant statement, it was not immediately clear fighting in Tigray would end right away.
Tigray has considerable military assets, and at the outset of the conflict analysts estimated the TPLF could mobilise some 200,000 troops.
"The key next issues are what intent and capabilities do the Tigrayan forces have to continue armed resistance as an insurgency, and how will people react to the provisional government that will be established," said William Davison, analyst for the International Crisis Group.
-'Rebuilding' efforts - Abiy said Saturday night his government's "focus now will be on rebuilding the region and providing humanitarian assistance" while police work to apprehend TPLF leaders.
Tens of thousands of refugees have streamed across the border into Sudan during the conflict.
Displacement is also believed to be widespread within Tigray.
The United Nations has spent weeks lobbying -- so far unsuccessfully -- for full access to the region.
Abiy's office said earlier this week it would open a "humanitarian access route".
Hundreds of UN and international NGO workers are currently in Mekele, but they are grappling with shortages of food, cash and other essentials.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said Friday it had received "1,300 requests from people in Ethiopia and abroad frantically looking to contact their relatives," adding, "We know this is just the tip of the iceberg." -Regional worries- From the moment fighting broke out, there were widespread fears the conflict would draw in the wider Horn of Africa region.
Rockets from Tigray targeted the capital of neighbouring Eritrea two times -- once two weeks ago and again on Friday night.
The TPLF claimed responsibility for the first attack, though there has been no claim for the second.
The TPLF has accused Ethiopia of enlisting Eritrean military support in the conflict, something Abiy's government has denied.
In a statement Saturday condemning air strikes in and around Mekele, the Tigray government accused Abiy of teaming up with Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea's president, for the final assault.
"The Tigray regional state would like it to be known to friends and enemies alike that it will give proportional response to the massacres and property damages being done by those fascists," it said.
Addis Ababa Saturday said the "aerial engagement has been precise and targets only TPLF's military depot, weaponry and arsenals", avoiding "civilian facilities".
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
3 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
10 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
17 days ago