Security
Human Rights Watch Calls for War Crime Probe into Tigray Airstrike
Human Rights Watch · 12 hours ago · Read the Full Story on Human Rights Watch
AI SUMMARY
Human Rights Watch has urged an impartial war crime investigation into an August 20 airstrike in Mekelle, Tigray, which hit a residential compound and wounded 13 civilians.
- An apparent Ethiopian government airstrike hit a residential compound in Mekelle's Daero neighborhood on August 20, 2026.
- The attack wounded 13 civilians, including seven children.
- The airstrike targeted a residential compound for teachers and their families where no evident military targets were present.
- Human Rights Watch analyzed satellite imagery, photographs, and video remnants consistent with an air-dropped general-purpose bomb.
- A second airstrike on the same day hit Quiha near Mekelle's airport with no reported casualties.
- The attacks occurred amid renewed clashes between federal forces and Tigrayan forces following the breakdown of the November 2022 truce.
- Ayder Referral Hospital treated 13 patients with trauma wounds, including a 12-year-old girl requiring surgery for a complicated leg fracture.
- Medical workers at Ayder reported severe shortages of basic supplies, lifesaving equipment, and anesthesia.
- Human Rights Watch called on the African Union, the United Nations, and concerned governments to press warring parties to protect civilians and investigate alleged war crimes.
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