Security

Ethiopian Army Says 272 TPLF Fighters Killed in Amhara

Al Jazeera · 2 days ago · Read the Full Story on Al Jazeera
Ethiopian Army Says 272 TPLF Fighters Killed in Amhara
AI SUMMARY

The Ethiopian military reports killing at least 272 TPLF fighters and wounding 260 others during a counter-offensive in the Amhara region following recent allied insurgent attacks.

  • The Ethiopian National Defence Force killed at least 272 TPLF fighters in a counter-offensive in the northwest Amhara region.
  • Another 260 Tigrayan fighters were wounded and several were captured during the clashes.
  • The counter-offensive followed TPLF and allied attacks in North Wollo, a region of Amhara bordering Tigray.
  • The escalation occurred days after the TPLF and six other armed groups announced the formation of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival.
  • The new rebel coalition aims to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and includes the Amhara Fano National Movement and the Oromo Liberation Army.
  • TPLF Vice President Amanuel Assefa confirmed the group is in a state of full-blown war and fighting alongside local armed groups in Afar and Amhara.
  • The fighting and seizure of three local airports by Tigrayan forces have disrupted air travel, including flight suspensions to Lalibela.
  • Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie Amde blamed the escalation on destruction forces and external interference during his UN General Assembly address.
  • Analysts report that Tigray rebels have support from Eritrea, though TPLF officials stated they have no information regarding Eritrean plans.