Ethiopian troops take strategic city in Tigray amid civilian exodus

NAIROBI - Amid calls to embrace ceasefire, Ethiopian soldiers have announced controlling a strategic town within Tigray region, following a series of airstrikes which forced hundreds of civilians to flee, with diplomats now warning of possible bloodbath in the country.

Civilians, who have borne the brunt of tht airstrikes, started abandoning Shire town, which was initially under the control of Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF], paving way for the entry of Ethiopian soldiers. It is not clear if Eritrean troops also made entry.

An aid worker, who spoke to Washington Post in confidence, said cost of living has skyrocketed in the country, leaving poor people with no option other than walking several kilometers as they seek safety in the country. Millions of people have been displaced.

Fresh fighting erupted in August after Ethiopian troops with assistance from Eritrea counterparts started firing missiles to TPLF strongholds, leading to another unprecedented siege. Stakeholders have been calling for peace talks and immediate exit of Eritrean soldiers.

“The situation in Ethiopia is spiraling out of control. The social fabric is being ripped apart and civilians are paying a horrific price,” U.N. Secretary General António Guterres wrote Monday on Twitter after the news that Shire had fallen. “Hostilities in Tigray must end now — including the immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean armed forces from Ethiopia.”

Shire had been held by forces from Tigray, which have been fighting Ethiopia’s central government for nearly two years, and is home to about 100,000 residents and another 60,000 people who have fled hostilities elsewhere, Washington Post notes.

The city is a strategic crossroads and the gateway to the main highway leading into Tigray’s capital, Mekelle, from the west. Its airport could also be used by Ethiopian forces to significantly extend the range and time in the air of their drones.

With Ethiopia now targeting to take over strategic towns, diplomats say the move could be resisted by TPLF, which had retreated to organize for offensive. Bloodbath could be the aftermath of the current standoff in the Horn of Africa nation, Western diplomats added.

“The [Ethiopian National Defense Forces] strictly abides by all pertinent norms and principles of international humanitarian law,” the statement added. “Strict instructions have been given to all combat units to reinforce this commitment.” It did not mention Eritrean troops, which have been blamed for many previous abuses.

The UN has persistently asked both parties to allow humanitarian teams access civilians who have been subjected to the current stalemate, and neither side has shown commitment. Particularly, Ethiopian and Eritrean troops are accused of imposing blockades on Tigray region.

“People say if they come here, there will be no mercy,” one resident of Shire wrote on WhatsApp to The Washington Post. That fear is driving young people to join forces commanded by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front [TPLF], the political party that controls Tigray, he said, after a period earlier this year when many sought to avoid having to fight and were forcibly conscripted.

Thousands of people are believed to have died for the last 23 months as both parties try to take control, with millions already finding shelter in IDP camps. The TPLF has expressed interest to negotiate with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, but it insists the agenda cannot commence before cessation of hostilities.

GAROWE ONLINE